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Casualties unknown

Takeoff Accident After Control Wheel Lock Not Removed (N79054)

Hagerstown, MD, US

On November 17, 2000, a Cessna 172K (registration N79054) was involved in an aviation accident near Hagerstown, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to remove the gust lock from the control column before takeoff, and his failure to abort the takeoff. 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 roll, the pilot attempted to remove the still-connected control wheel lock; the airplane rotated on its own, climbed to about 20 feet, then crashed straight down onto the runway. The nose gear collapsed and the airplane exited the runway.

Accident Sequence

During the takeoff roll, the pilot realized that the control wheel lock was still connected to the control wheel. He attempted to remove it with both hands. Subsequently, the airplane rotated on its own, climbed to an altitude of about 20 feet, then crashed straight down onto the runway.

Post-Impact Events

Upon impact, the landing gear nose tire burst and the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane then proceeded off the departure end of the runway.

Checklist Information

According to the airplane's operating handbook, the second item on the PREFLIGHT INSPECTION checklist is to remove the control wheel lock. Additionally, the third item on the BEFORE TAKEOFF checklist requires that the flight controls are 'free and correct.' The pilot stated that he did not perform a run-up inspection on the airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Nov 2000 Cessna 172K accident near Hagerstown, MD?

During takeoff roll, the pilot attempted to remove the still-connected control wheel lock; the airplane rotated on its own, climbed to about 20 feet, then crashed straight down onto the runway. The nose gear collapsed and the airplane exited the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Nov 2000 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N79054, at Hagerstown, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to remove the gust lock from the control column before takeoff, and his failure to abort the takeoff.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22332. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.