Summary
On May 23, 2015, a Cessna 172M (N9959V) was involved in an accident near Sussex, NJ. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to remove the gust lock during the preflight inspection, resulting in a loss of control and collision with trees during takeoff.
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, he tried to abort the takeoff because he had not removed the bolt he had placed in the yoke for a gust lock. He reported that the crosswind pushed the airplane off the right side of the runway into the grass, the airplane impacted trees, and sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. The pilot reported that the accident was due to him not removing the bolt in the yoke.
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA15CA088. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9959V.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to remove the gust lock during the preflight inspection, resulting in a loss of control and collision with trees during takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, he tried to abort the takeoff because he had not removed the bolt he had placed in the yoke for a gust lock. He reported that the crosswind pushed the airplane off the right side of the runway into the grass, the airplane impacted trees, and sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. The pilot reported that the accident was due to him not removing the bolt in the yoke.
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA15CA088