N863AF

Substantial
None

GROB-WERKE G 120AS/N: 85003

Accident Details

Date
Monday, September 10, 2012
NTSB Number
WPR12CA412
Location
Mobile, AZ
Event ID
20120910X84019
Coordinates
33.111946, -112.269165
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 of the airplane during the takeoff roll and the subsequent aborted takeoff in a gusting crosswind.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
GROB-WERKE
Serial Number
85003
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2001
Model / ICAO
G 120AG120
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
1
FAA Model
G 120A

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
LUFTHANSA AVIATION TRAINING USA INC
Address
1658 S LITCHFIELD RD
City
GOODYEAR
State / Zip Code
AZ 85338-1509
Country
United States

Analysis

The student pilot, who had just completed a full-stop landing and taxied back to the approach end of the runway, started his takeoff roll in a wind of about eight knots, which was coming from about 45 degrees to the right of the nose of the airplane. Just prior to the pilot initiating the rotation, the airplane encountered a wind gust from the right, which resulted in the right wing raising and the airplane yawing to the left. Although the pilot attempted to correct for the gust by applying right aileron and right rudder, the airplane continued toward the left edge of the 75-foot wide runway. The pilot, who therefore decided to abort the takeoff, reduced the power to idle and applied the brakes. During his attempt to bring the airplane to a stop, the airplane departed the left side of the runway, whereupon it collided with a large bush, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. According to the pilot and the operator, there was no indication of any mechanical malfunction associated with the accident sequence.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA412