Accident Description
A student pilot reported that during the initial takeoff climb, the airplane exhibited an uncommanded left turn. The pilot attempted to correct, but the aircraft continued turning left. Concerned about a potential collision with a hangar off the left side of the runway, the pilot lowered the nose and applied aft pressure on the control yoke. The pilot stated he could not recall events after applying the rear pressure. He reported no mechanical issues with the airplane or his seat.
A witness observed the airplane at approximately 200 feet in a climb attitude, with the nose estimated at 30 degrees nose-high and the airspeed described as slow. The airplane then made a hard left turn, and the nose pitched down.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination revealed the left wing tip was missing, and the wing was bent up and aft. The upper and lower left wing skins were twisted and compressed. The left inboard flap was wedged into the left side of the fuselage. The right wing was accelerated forward, and the right wing tip was bent upward. The right flap was damaged and had collided with a hangar post. Flight control continuity was confirmed between the flight controls and control surfaces. The engine and propeller assembly remained attached to the airframe with no anomalies noted.
Stall Speed Reference
The Cessna 172 Owner's Manual indicates that at 2,300 pounds gross weight with flaps at 10 degrees, the airplane will stall at 54 calibrated airspeed (CAS) with a 20-degree angle of bank, at 59 CAS with a 40-degree bank, and at 74 CAS with a 60-degree bank.