N796SP

Substantial
None

CESSNA 172SS/N: 172S8720

Accident Details

Date
Monday, May 3, 2010
NTSB Number
WPR10CA230
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Event ID
20100507X44126
Coordinates
37.461112, -122.114997
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the certified flight instructor’s delayed response to the student pilot's loss of control during the takeoff roll.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
172S8720
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2001
Model / ICAO
172SC172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
172S

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
OPENSKY AIRWAYS LLC
Address
10401 VENICE BLVD # 482
City
LOS ANGELES
State / Zip Code
CA 90034-6491
Country
United States

Analysis

The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that the student pilot, who was seated in the left seat, was performing a short field takeoff. The CFI said that during the takeoff, the airplane yawed left dramatically and became airborne in a nose-high attitude. The CFI reported that she took control and "pushed" forward on the yoke and regained control of the airplane; however, in the process, the airplane collided with an anemometer pole. The CFI reported that she was able to continue the flight, entered a non-standard pattern for the runway and landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer; damage was also noted to the right wing. No pre accident mechanical deficiencies or anomalies with the airplane were reported.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR10CA230