Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Early Rotation After Veering Left on Takeoff; Airplane Stalls (N4184L)

Summerton, SC, US

On September 13, 1991, a Cessna 172G (registration N4184L) operated by Lafosse, David A. was involved in an aviation accident near Summerton, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not give proper attention to the quartering right tailwind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

During takeoff roll on a wet runway with a quartering tailwind, the airplane veered left. The pilot rotated early to avoid the runway edge, near stall speed, then stalled after maneuvering to avoid a tree.

Summary

A pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the airplane began veering to the left just prior to liftoff. To avoid running off the edge of the runway, the pilot rotated early. The airplane was then near stall speed and heading toward a tree. The pilot applied full flight control inputs to avoid the tree, and the airplane stalled, impacting the ground in a nose-low attitude.

Narrative

According to the pilot, the runway was wet from dew. The pilot also stated that a quartering right tailwind "was not given proper attention." The airplane veered left during the takeoff roll. In response, the pilot rotated early to prevent departing the runway. Following the early rotation, the airplane was at a low airspeed near the stall. While maneuvering to avoid a tree, the pilot used full flight control inputs, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. The airplane subsequently struck the ground nose-first.

Probable Cause

The pilot reported that a quartering right tailwind "was not given proper attention," indicating that inadequate consideration of the wind conditions contributed to the loss of directional control during takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Sept 1991 Cessna 172G accident near Summerton, SC?

During takeoff roll on a wet runway with a quartering tailwind, the airplane veered left. The pilot rotated early to avoid the runway edge, near stall speed, then stalled after maneuvering to avoid a tree.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Sept 1991 involved a Cessna 172G, registration N4184L, operated by Lafosse, David A., at Summerton, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot did not give proper attention to the quartering right tailwind.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18024. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.