No fatalities

Aircraft Incident Involving Nose Gear Collapse After Shimmy-Related Aborted Takeoff (N78149)

Frederick, MD, US

On July 14, 1996, a Cessna 172 (registration N78149) was involved in an aviation accident near Frederick, MD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the private pilot's inadvertently stalling the airplane immediately after takeoff. A related factor was the pilot's improper procedures during lift-off. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A pilot aborted a first takeoff due to severe shimmy; after inspection found no anomalies, a second takeoff resulted in the aircraft becoming airborne at low airspeed, settling onto the runway, collapsing the nose gear, and contacting the propeller and right wing tip.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that a first takeoff attempt was aborted because of a severe shimmy. Following an inspection that revealed no anomalies, a second takeoff was attempted. The pilot stated that when back pressure was applied during the second takeoff, the shimmy was less noticeable. However, due to the back pressure, the aircraft became airborne at a relatively low airspeed. The pilot noted that back pressure was not appropriately released, and after reaching an altitude of between 10 and 15 feet, the aircraft settled onto the runway.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft landed on its nose gear, which collapsed during the landing. Subsequently, the propeller and right wing tip made contact with the runway surface, and the aircraft came to a stop. No further information was provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, occupants, injuries, or damage beyond the described collapse and contacts.

Examination and Findings

After the first aborted takeoff, an inspection of the aircraft was conducted, but no anomalies were identified that could explain the shimmy. The pilot’s control inputs during the second takeoff, specifically the application and retention of back pressure, led to premature liftoff at low airspeed. The lack of appropriate release of back pressure resulted in the aircraft’s inability to maintain climb and subsequent descent back to the runway.

The occurrence sequence is consistent with the pilot’s report. No further analysis or conclusions are provided in the source material.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jul 1996 Cessna 172 accident near Frederick, MD?

A pilot aborted a first takeoff due to severe shimmy; after inspection found no anomalies, a second takeoff resulted in the aircraft becoming airborne at low airspeed, settling onto the runway, collapsing the nose gear, and contacting the propeller and right wing tip.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jul 1996 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jul 1996 involved a Cessna 172, registration N78149, at Frederick, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the private pilot's inadvertently stalling the airplane immediately after takeoff. A related factor was the pilot's improper procedures during lift-off.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06263. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.