No fatalities

Takeoff Aborted After Control Wheel Jam, Flap Extension Leads to Runway Excursion (N98730)

Fairfield, NJ, US

On July 13, 1996, a Cessna 172P (registration N98730) was involved in an aviation accident near Fairfield, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper aborted takeoff by extending full flaps which resulted in a porpoise. Subsequently, the airplane veered off the runway and the nose gear collapsed. 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, the control wheel would not move aft, prompting an aborted takeoff. The pilot extended full flaps, contrary to the handbook, causing porpoising and veering off the runway. Nose gear collapsed. No mechanical malfunctions found.

Circumstances

During the takeoff roll, the pilot discovered that the control wheel would not move aft. Consequently, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. In the process of aborting, the pilot reduced engine power and extended the flaps to the full position. This action caused the airplane to porpoise and veer off the runway. The nose gear subsequently collapsed.

Post-Incident Examination

An examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine the cause of the control wheel restriction and any other contributing factors. The inspection did not disclose any evidence of mechanical malfunctions in the aircraft's flight control systems or other components.

Handbook Guidance

The Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for the airplane specifies that during an aborted takeoff, the flaps should be retracted. The pilot's action of extending full flaps was contrary to the published procedure.

Conclusion

The incident involved a takeoff abort due to an inability to move the control wheel aft. The subsequent flap extension led to porpoising and a runway excursion resulting in the collapse of the nose gear. No mechanical issues were identified during the post-incident examination.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jul 1996 Cessna 172P accident near Fairfield, NJ?

During takeoff, the control wheel would not move aft, prompting an aborted takeoff. The pilot extended full flaps, contrary to the handbook, causing porpoising and veering off the runway. Nose gear collapsed. No mechanical malfunctions found.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Jul 1996 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jul 1996 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N98730, at Fairfield, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper aborted takeoff by extending full flaps which resulted in a porpoise. Subsequently, the airplane veered off the runway and the nose gear collapsed.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06345. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.