On April 23, 1987, a Cessna 172E (registration N3777S) was involved in an aviation accident near Moorhead, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: ACCORDING TO FAA STATEMENTS, THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING A TAKEOFF FROM A TAXIWAY WHEN A WING DIPPED. THE PILOT THEN LOST CONTROL AS THE WING DRAGGED, CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO GROUND LOOP/SWERVE ONTO THE TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
According to FAA statements, a pilot attempted a takeoff from a taxiway, causing a wing to dip. Control was lost, leading to a ground loop onto terrain, a blown nose gear tire, collapsed nose gear assembly, and damage to the tail and wing tips.
Event Description
According to statements from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a pilot was attempting to conduct a takeoff from a taxiway. During the attempt, a wing of the aircraft dipped. The pilot subsequently lost control as the wing dragged, causing the aircraft to ground loop and swerve onto the adjacent terrain.
Damage
The nose gear tire blew out during the swerve, and the nose gear assembly collapsed before the aircraft came to a complete stop. The tail section of the airplane was also damaged, along with the wing tips. The extent of damage beyond these components was not specified.
Pilot Response
The pilot did not respond to inquiries regarding the accident. No further information about the pilot's status or actions was provided in the FAA statements.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Apr 1987 Cessna 172E accident near Moorhead, IA?
According to FAA statements, a pilot attempted a takeoff from a taxiway, causing a wing to dip. Control was lost, leading to a ground loop onto terrain, a blown nose gear tire, collapsed nose gear assembly, and damage to the tail and wing tips.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Apr 1987 involved a Cessna 172E, registration N3777S, at Moorhead, IA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
ACCORDING TO FAA STATEMENTS, THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING A TAKEOFF FROM A TAXIWAY WHEN A WING DIPPED. THE PILOT THEN LOST CONTROL AS THE WING DRAGGED, CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO GROUND LOOP/SWERVE ONTO THE TERRAIN. THE NOSE GEAR TIRE BLEW DURING THE SWERVE AND THE NOSE GEAR ASSEMBLY COLLAPSED BEFORE THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO A…