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Private Pilot Crashes After Takeoff With Control Wheel Lock Still Engaged (N1432F)

Perry, GA, US

On January 9, 1994, a Cessna 172H (registration N1432F) operated by Elrod, James E. was involved in an aviation accident near Perry, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE AIRCRAFT PREFLIGHT INSPECTION, IN THAT HE DID NOT REMOVE THE FLIGHT CONTROL GUST LOCK PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT. A FACTOR WAS THE USE OF AN UNAPPROVED, UNMARKED RIVET AS A FLIGHT CONTROL LOCK. 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

A private pilot crashed after takeoff from a grass airstrip, having forgotten to remove a non-standard control wheel lock. The aircraft came to rest nose-low in an open field.

Incident Summary

A private pilot was conducting a takeoff from a private grass airstrip. During the departure, the aircraft became airborne and the pilot elected to turn right and land. The aircraft subsequently crashed in an open grass field, coming to rest in a nose-low attitude.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that he was in a hurry and had forgotten to remove the control wheel lock prior to the flight.

Wreckage Inspection

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the pilot was using a 2-inch rivet as a control wheel lock instead of an approved locking device. The rivet was not painted or marked with a flag. The rivet was still installed in the yoke sleeve, which would lock the controls, and the yoke control tube was fractured at the hole where the rivet was installed.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jan 1994 Cessna 172H accident near Perry, GA?

A private pilot crashed after takeoff from a grass airstrip, having forgotten to remove a non-standard control wheel lock. The aircraft came to rest nose-low in an open field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jan 1994 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N1432F, operated by Elrod, James E., at Perry, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE AIRCRAFT PREFLIGHT INSPECTION, IN THAT HE DID NOT REMOVE THE FLIGHT CONTROL GUST LOCK PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT. A FACTOR WAS THE USE OF AN UNAPPROVED, UNMARKED RIVET AS A FLIGHT CONTROL LOCK.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00577. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.