On March 23, 1991, a Cessna 172 (registration N96868) operated by Cessna Employees Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Wichita, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in strong, gusting crosswind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a biennial flight review, directional control was lost during takeoff in strong gusting crosswinds. The CFI aborted but the aircraft collided with a drainage ditch.
What happened
A certified flight instructor (CFI) was conducting a biennial flight review when the incident occurred. During the takeoff roll, directional control of the airplane was lost due to strong, gusting crosswind conditions. The CFI assumed control of the aircraft and attempted to continue the takeoff initially. However, the decision was made to abort the takeoff. Despite the abort attempt, the airplane was unable to stop on the available runway surface and subsequently collided with a drainage ditch.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the loss of directional control during the takeoff phase. Environmental conditions included strong, gusting crosswinds which likely exacerbated the difficulty in maintaining runway alignment. The inability to stop the aircraft after the abort decision resulted in the collision with the drainage ditch.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in strong, gusting crosswind conditions.
What happened in the 23 Mar 1991 Cessna 172 accident near Wichita, KS?
During a biennial flight review, directional control was lost during takeoff in strong gusting crosswinds. The CFI aborted but the aircraft collided with a drainage ditch.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Mar 1991 involved a Cessna 172, registration N96868, operated by Cessna Employees Flying Club, at Wichita, KS.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in strong, gusting crosswind conditions.
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