N295SP

Substantial
None

CESSNA 172S/N: 172S9480

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
NTSB Number
ERA10CA358
Location
Fairhope, AL
Event ID
20100714X15636
Coordinates
30.460556, -87.876945
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N295SP
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
172S9480
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2003
Model / ICAO
172C172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
1092 JOSE ABOD SANTOS AVE
CLARK FREE PORT ZONE
Status
Deregistered
City
PAMPANGA
State / Zip Code
2009
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the student pilot, she began the initial takeoff roll from runway 1 for her first solo flight with control inputs for a left crosswind. The airplane started to turn right, so she partially released right rudder pressure. About 50 knots, "the nose swung left and wobbled." The student pilot then "went to add right rudder" but "was afraid of flipping it." The airplane departed the left side of the runway and traveled across a grass median, an embankment, and a taxiway, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage. The student pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane. Her flight instructor reported that she had performed four "well coordinated" takeoffs and landings under similar conditions during a dual flight prior to the solo flight. A weather observation taken at the airport at the time of the accident indicated winds from 280 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# ERA10CA358