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Casualties unknown

Runway Overrun After Control Wheel Locked During Takeoff (N1665Y)

Block Island, RI, US

On June 23, 1996, a Cessna 172C (registration N1665Y) operated by James Mackinnon was involved in an aviation accident near Block Island, RI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate preflight, by failing to remove the control lock and checking the flight controls before takeoff, and his failure to abort the takeoff in a timely manner, which resulted in an overrun, an encounter with brush, and a subsequent nose over… 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 pilot experienced a runway overrun after the control wheel would not move aft during takeoff. Postaccident examination revealed the control lock was still installed. The aircraft came to rest inverted after encountering brush.

Accident Sequence

The pilot conducted a preflight inspection and then began the planned departure. During the takeoff roll, the control wheel would not move aft. The airplane continued off the departure end of the runway. During the runway overrun, the pilot attempted to select a path of minimum obstruction ahead. Subsequently, the airplane encountered brush and came to rest inverted.

Postaccident Findings

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the control lock was installed. When questioned about the installed control lock, the pilot stated, "that would explain it."

Investigation Details

No further information regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, or occupant injuries was provided in the source material. The investigation did not provide a stated probable cause for the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jun 1996 Cessna 172C accident near Block Island, RI?

A pilot experienced a runway overrun after the control wheel would not move aft during takeoff. Postaccident examination revealed the control lock was still installed. The aircraft came to rest inverted after encountering brush.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jun 1996 involved a Cessna 172C, registration N1665Y, operated by James Mackinnon, at Block Island, RI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate preflight, by failing to remove the control lock and checking the flight controls before takeoff, and his failure to abort the takeoff in a timely manner, which resulted in an overrun, an encounter with brush, and a subsequent nose over of the airplane.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06090. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.