N730SP

On November 2, 2003, about 1230 central standard time, a Cessna 172S, N730SP, operated by Fargo Jet Center as an instructional/rental airplane, sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain when the airplane exited the right side of runway 33 during takeoff roll at Lakota Municipal Airport (5L0), near Lakota, North Dakota. The solo instructional flight was operating under 14 CFR part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. A VFR flight plan was on file and opened. The student pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated from Hector International Airport, near Fargo, North Dakota about 1115 and was enroute to Devils Lake Municipal Airport (DVL), near Devils Lake, North Dakota, when the flight diverted to 5L0 for weather.

According to the pilot's written statement, he diverted to 5L0 from his original destination. The pilot reported he tried unsuccessfully to contact the Flight Service Station to close his flight plan while on the ground at 5L0. The pilot stated he then taxied to runway 33 for takeoff. The pilot reported the airplane accelerated to approximately 45 knots, when a gust of wind caused the airplane to become airborne. The pilot stated the airplane veered off the right side of the runway. The pilot reported that he was unsuccessful in his attempts to stop the airplane and the airplane then rolled over.

The pilot listed no mechanical malfunctions in his report about his flight or attempted takeoff at the diversion airport.

At 1235, the DVL recorded weather was: Wind 290 degrees at 10 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition clear; temperature -4 degrees C; dew point -8 degrees C; altimeter 30.21 inches of mercury.

At 1153, the Grand Forks International Airport, near Grand Forks, North Dakota, recorded weather was: Wind 280 degrees at 9 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition few 3,500 feet; temperature -2 degrees C; dew point -7; altimeter 30.21 inches of mercury.