On May 22, 1999, a Cessna 172N (registration N5679E) was involved in an aviation accident near Churchville, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Factors were the pilot's lack of recent experience, and the crosswind. 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.
During takeoff roll, a gust of wind blew the airplane left of the runway shortly after rotation. The pilot heard a stall warning horn, aborted the takeoff, and the left wing struck trees. The pilot had flown 7.8 hours in the preceding 11.5 months.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, just as he rotated for liftoff, the airplane was struck by a gust of wind and blown off the runway to the left. He heard the stall warning horn sound and aborted the takeoff. The airplane remained to the left of the runway until the left wing struck some trees, after which the airplane turned further into the trees.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had logged 7.8 hours in the preceding 11.5 months, and 5.8 hours in the preceding 90 days.
Witness Reports
An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) interviewed witnesses who reported that the crosswind was about 7 knots maximum.
What happened in the 22 May 1999 Cessna 172N accident near Churchville, MD?
During takeoff roll, a gust of wind blew the airplane left of the runway shortly after rotation. The pilot heard a stall warning horn, aborted the takeoff, and the left wing struck trees. The pilot had flown 7.8 hours in the preceding 11.5 months.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 May 1999 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N5679E, at Churchville, MD.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Factors were the pilot's lack of recent experience, and the crosswind.
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