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Airplane Veers Off Runway and Nose Over During Takeoff (N736HC)

Ypsilanti, MI, US

On September 17, 1989, a Cessna 172 (registration N736HC) operated by Robert Evans was involved in an aviation accident near Ypsilanti, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PLT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND ROLL. RAIN SOFTENED TERRAIN ADJACENT TO THE RUNWAY SURFACE IS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane veered off the runway and nosed over in rain-softened sod during a takeoff attempt. The pilot reported aborting due to loss of control, and no mechanical defects were found.

Accident Description

During a takeoff attempt, the airplane veered off the runway and nosed over after encountering rain-softened sod. The incident occurred as the aircraft was accelerating for departure.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that during the latter portion of the takeoff roll, he felt he did not have complete control of the airplane. Unable to maintain the desired track down the runway, he decided to abort the takeoff. Subsequently, the airplane left the runway and nosed over.

Post-Accident Inspection

A post-accident inspection revealed no mechanical defects in the airplane. The pilot's account, combined with the inspection results, indicates that the loss of directional control was not due to a mechanical malfunction.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Sept 1989 Cessna 172 accident near Ypsilanti, MI?

An airplane veered off the runway and nosed over in rain-softened sod during a takeoff attempt. The pilot reported aborting due to loss of control, and no mechanical defects were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Sept 1989 involved a Cessna 172, registration N736HC, operated by Robert Evans, at Ypsilanti, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PLT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND ROLL. RAIN SOFTENED TERRAIN ADJACENT TO THE RUNWAY SURFACE IS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29322. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.