N961MC

Substantial
None

CESSNA 172SS/N: 172S9617

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
NTSB Number
ERA12CA419
Location
West Palm Beach, FL
Event ID
20120628X74946
Coordinates
26.845832, -80.222221
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain airplane control during the takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s decision to conduct takeoffs and landings in conditions exceeding the airplane’s maximum demonstrated crosswind capability.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N961MC
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
172S9617
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2004
Model / ICAO
172SC172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
8320 SW 87TH TER
Status
Deregistered
City
MIAMI
State / Zip Code
FL 33143-6946
Country
United States

Analysis

The flight instructor stated he was practicing touch and go takeoffs and landings in crosswind conditions with a student pilot. The student pilot landed on runway 31, uneventfully; however, during the takeoff roll the airplane encountered a gust of wind, and began to veer to the right. The flight instructor took control of the airplane; however, as it subsequently climbed to an altitude of about 10 feet above the ground, another wind gust caused the airplane to rollover. The airplane came to rest inverted on the adjacent taxiway resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The flight instructor reported that were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. The reported wind at the airport about the time of the accident was from 220 degrees at 19 knots, with 29 knot gusts. The Pilot Operating Handbook for this airplane indicates that operation in direct crosswinds of 15 knots has been demonstrated.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA419