Accident Overview
A private pilot attempted to take off from a runway in a Cessna 172P while a 60-degree, 9-knot crosswind component was present. During the takeoff roll, the pilot rotated the aircraft prematurely. This action caused the stall warning horn to activate and the airspeed to dissipate. In response, the pilot lowered the nose in an attempt to regain airspeed, but the aircraft began to lose altitude.
Pilot Actions
The pilot failed to take corrective action to compensate for the crosswind. As a result, the aircraft drifted off the runway and impacted the ground and a fence. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had received one hour of dual instruction in the accident make and model and had a total of two hours of flight time in that type of aircraft.
Damage and Injuries
The Cessna 172P sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence. The pilot and the three passengers on board were not injured.