N8994V

Substantial
Minor

Cessna 172S/N: 17264349

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, August 4, 2018
NTSB Number
GAA18CA471
Location
Dowagiac, MI
Event ID
20180805X20931
Coordinates
41.993057, -86.128334
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain bank control during takeoff.  

Aircraft Information

Registration
N8994V
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
17264349
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1974
Model / ICAO
172C172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
WINGS INC
Address
PO BOX 3112
Status
Deregistered
City
SOUTH BEND
State / Zip Code
IN 46619-0112
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during takeoff from a soft field runway, about 10 feet above the ground, the airplane drifted left. The left wing "dipped", contacted the ground and the airplane impacted terrain.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to right wing, right elevator and fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot added that he should have "stayed longer in ground effect."

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 20 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 210° at 10 knots and about 40 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 190º at 7 knots. The airplane departed on runway 22.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA471