Casualties unknown

Aircraft Veers Left During Soft Field Takeoff, Strikes Trees at Allison Woods Airstrip (N96064)

Statesville, NC, US

On August 4, 2001, a Cessna 152 (registration N96064) was involved in an aviation accident near Statesville, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's attempted takeoff with a tail wind and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff resulting in the airplane veering to the left and colliding with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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

During a soft field takeoff to the north at Allison Woods Airstrip, an airplane veered left at about 55 knots, struck trees with its left wingtip, spun, and came to rest in the trees. Winds at a nearby station were reported.

Incident Overview

The pilot of an airplane reported performing a soft field takeoff to the north at Allison Woods Airstrip. According to the pilot, the instruments indicated normal operation. As the airplane accelerated to approximately 55 knots, it suddenly veered to the left. The left wingtip then struck trees, causing the airplane to spin around and come to rest among the trees.

Environmental Conditions

About 12 minutes after the accident, the automated weather observing system at Statesville Airport, located 5 miles southwest of the accident site, reported winds from 180 degrees at 6 knots. No other environmental conditions were specified in the source.

Investigation Notes

The investigation source provided no further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, number of engines, date, operator, occupants, injuries, or specific damage items. No analysis, conclusions, or causal factors were stated.

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Aug 2001 Cessna 152 accident near Statesville, NC?

During a soft field takeoff to the north at Allison Woods Airstrip, an airplane veered left at about 55 knots, struck trees with its left wingtip, spun, and came to rest in the trees. Winds at a nearby station were reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Aug 2001 involved a Cessna 152, registration N96064, at Statesville, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempted takeoff with a tail wind and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff resulting in the airplane veering to the left and colliding with trees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010807X01627. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.