On December 30, 2004, a Cessna 172R (registration N9962F) operated by Aero-tech Services was involved in an aviation accident near Smoketown, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a parked airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An airplane did not become airborne during takeoff, veered left off the runway, and collided with a parked airplane, fence, and two vehicles before stopping in a parking lot.
Accident Sequence
The pilot boarded three passengers and taxied to a runway measuring 2,400 feet long and 50 feet wide, surfaced with asphalt. The pilot initiated a takeoff roll and rotated the airplane at 55 knots, but the aircraft did not become airborne. The airplane veered left and departed the left side of the runway. The pilot applied right rudder and brake, but the airplane continued left and struck a parked airplane. The airplane then struck a fence and two parked vehicles before coming to rest upright in an adjacent parking lot.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. The pilot did not report any mechanical issues.
What happened in the 30 Dec 2004 Cessna 172R accident near Smoketown, PA?
An airplane did not become airborne during takeoff, veered left off the runway, and collided with a parked airplane, fence, and two vehicles before stopping in a parking lot.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Dec 2004 involved a Cessna 172R, registration N9962F, operated by Aero-tech Services, at Smoketown, PA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a parked airplane.
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