On January 22, 2002, a Cessna T210N (registration N4785U) operated by Richard W. Owen was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were the pilot excessive rotation during takeoff and the crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff on runway 31L at Chicago Midway Airport, the airplane yawed and drifted left after rotation, became unresponsive, and impacted a dry pond bed. Post-accident examination revealed no anomalies.
Accident Details
The accident occurred during takeoff from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). The pilot reported initiating the takeoff roll on runway 31L and accelerating to 65 KIAS before rotating approximately at the intersection of runway 22L. The rotation was described as more than desired, and the pilot attempted to maintain a 10-degree nose-up pitch attitude.
Pilot Account
Immediately after liftoff, the airplane began to yaw and drift to the left simultaneously. The pilot stated that the airplane was unresponsive in all axes despite applying hard right aileron, right rudder, and nose-down elevator. The airplane reached an estimated height of 20 to 30 feet and began settling after passing over taxiway F. It subsequently impacted into a dry pond bed located in the southwest quadrant of the airport.
Examination Findings
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies. The reported winds at MDW were 200 degrees magnetic at 13 knots.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 22 Jan 2002 Cessna T210N accident near Chicago, IL?
During takeoff on runway 31L at Chicago Midway Airport, the airplane yawed and drifted left after rotation, became unresponsive, and impacted a dry pond bed. Post-accident examination revealed no anomalies.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Jan 2002 involved a Cessna T210N, registration N4785U, operated by Richard W. Owen, at Chicago, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were the pilot excessive rotation during takeoff and the crosswind.
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