Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's attempted takeoff with a tail wind and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff resulting in the airplane veering to the left and colliding with trees.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On August 4, 2001, about 1630 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 152, N96064, registered to Statesville Flying Service, collided with trees during takeoff from a private strip near Statesville, North Carolina, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane received substantial damage, and the private-rated pilot and one passenger received minor injuries. The flight originated from Statesville, North Carolina, the same day, about 1500.
The pilot stated he was performing a soft-field takeoff to the north at Allison Woods Airstrip. The instruments showed everything was in order. At a speed of about 55 knots, the airplane veered to the left. He had no control. He thinks the wind caught the airplane from the right. The left wingtip hit the trees and the airplane spun around and came to rest in the trees.
The winds at the Statesville Airport, located 5 miles southwest of the accident site, about 12 minutes after the accident, were from 180 degrees at 6 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA01LA209