N780JA

Substantial
None

CESSNA 172S/N: 172S10476

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
NTSB Number
GAA18CA313
Location
Payson, AZ
Event ID
20180531X21710
Coordinates
34.257499, -111.336387
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
3
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control during a short-field takeoff in high-density altitude conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
172S10476
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2007
Model / ICAO
172C172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
172S

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
PHOENIX EAST AVIATION LLC
Address
561 PEARL HARBOR DR
City
DAYTONA BEACH
State / Zip Code
FL 32114-3845
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during a short field takeoff, around 100 ft above ground, he saw the primary flight display (PFD) airspeed indicator show 0. He added, the engine appeared to be functioning normal, but he decided to level the airplane and attempt to land on the remaining runway. The airplane then began to turn left and he added right rudder. Subsequently, the airplane touched down on an adjacent taxiway left of the runway and the nose landing gear collapsed.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer.

Postaccident examination videos were provided by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector. The videos showed both the PFD and backup airspeed indicators moving in sync with air applied to the pitot tube.

The automated weather observation system at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 190° at 10 knots, gusting to 18 knots, and the calculated density altitude was 7883 ft. The pilot was departing on runway 24.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA313