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Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Control During Takeoff Ground Roll, Airplane Noses Over (N1819N)

Hollister, CA, US

On June 17, 1997, a Cessna 120 (registration N1819N) operated by Gregory Dennis was involved in an aviation accident near Hollister, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's excessive use of right rudder during the initial stages of the takeoff ground roll, which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control. The unfavorable wind was a related factor. 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 reported a loss of control during the takeoff ground roll while applying right rudder. The airplane veered right, departed the runway, and nosed over after braking to avoid vegetation and another airplane. No mechanical issues were noted; winds were variable at 15-20 knots.

Incident Details

The pilot reported that during the takeoff ground roll, he applied right rudder to maintain runway alignment. At that instant, he lost control of the airplane. The airplane then veered to the right and departed the runway. After leaving the runway, the pilot applied the brakes to avoid a collision with vegetation and another airplane. The application of brakes caused the airplane to nose over.

Pilot's Account

According to the pilot, there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane before the accident. The pilot also indicated that the winds were variable, with speeds between 15 and 20 knots. The pilot's actions during the takeoff roll were standard for maintaining runway alignment, but the loss of control occurred as he applied right rudder. The subsequent veer to the right and runway departure were followed by the braking action that led to the nose-over.

Additional Information

The pilot provided no further details about the aircraft or the environment. The investigation is based solely on the pilot's statement.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Jun 1997 Cessna 120 accident near Hollister, CA?

A pilot reported a loss of control during the takeoff ground roll while applying right rudder. The airplane veered right, departed the runway, and nosed over after braking to avoid vegetation and another airplane. No mechanical issues were noted; winds were variable at 15-20 knots.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jun 1997 involved a Cessna 120, registration N1819N, operated by Gregory Dennis, at Hollister, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's excessive use of right rudder during the initial stages of the takeoff ground roll, which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control. The unfavorable wind was a related factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08176. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.