N24461

Substantial
Minor

CESSNA 172RS/N: 17280968

Accident Details

Date
Monday, May 7, 2012
NTSB Number
ERA12CA325
Location
Culebra, PR
Event ID
20120509X23741
Coordinates
18.313055, -65.304168
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to remove the flight control lock before takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N24461
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
17280968
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2000
Model / ICAO
172RC72R
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
FLIGHT WORLD INC
Address
PO BOX 192343
Status
Deregistered
City
SAN JUAN
State / Zip Code
PR 00919-2343
Country
United States

Analysis

After doing an engine runup the pilot taxied onto the runway and started his takeoff roll. At approximately 60 knots indicated airspeed he attempted to rotate for takeoff and realized that the control wheel would not move when he attempted to pull back on it. He then observed that the flight control lock was still installed so he attempted to remove it. He pulled on the flight control lock, but it would not come out. He then observed that he was approaching the airport perimeter fence so he shut down the engine and attempted to use the elevator trim to raise the nose. The airplane then impacted the fence, bounced off a road, and struck trees. Post accident examination of the airplane revealed that the wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. Checklist procedures for the airplane required that the control wheel lock for the airplane be removed during the preflight inspection, and the flight controls be checked prior to takeoff, to assure that they were free and correct. However, during a post accident interview the pilot advised that he did not use the checklist.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA325