On January 1, 1993, a Cessna 120 (registration N4292N) operated by Wood, David E. was involved in an aviation accident near Bessemer, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING TAKE OFF. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A tailwheel airplane veered right after a gust during takeoff, departing the runway and colliding with the ground. The pilot reported a 70-degree left crosswind.
Accident Details
A tailwheel airplane was conducting a takeoff in crosswind conditions. The pilot reported using Runway 5, and the airport's Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) indicated wind from the northwest at 4 to 6 knots, resulting in a 70-degree left crosswind.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, as the tail of the airplane came up during the takeoff roll, the nose veered slightly to the left. She applied additional right rudder to correct. At that moment, the airplane was struck by a gust of wind, causing it to weathervane sharply to the right.
Sequence of Events
The airplane subsequently departed the runway on the right side and collided with the ground. No further details regarding injuries or damage were provided in the source.