No fatalities

Airplane Veers Left During Takeoff, Strikes Soft Sand

Tucson, AZ, United States

On April 22, 2009, a CESSNA 172E was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the gusting crosswinds. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane veered sharply left just before rotation speed during takeoff, departing the runway into soft sand. Substantial damage occurred to both wings. The pilot reported no mechanical issues. Weather included an 80-degree left crosswind at 9 knots gusting to 18 knots.

Accident Overview

During the takeoff roll, just prior to reaching rotation speed, the airplane unexpectedly veered sharply to the left. It departed the runway and entered an area of soft sand, where it came to a stop. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to both wings as a result of the encounter.

Weather Conditions

The reported weather at the time of the accident indicated a crosswind component. The wind was from 80 degrees to the left of the runway heading, at a speed of 9 knots with gusts reaching 18 knots.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there was no mechanical malfunction or system failure with the airplane prior to the accident. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or location were provided in the source.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotResponse/compensation

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Apr 2009 CESSNA 172E accident near Tucson, AZ?

An airplane veered sharply left just before rotation speed during takeoff, departing the runway into soft sand. Substantial damage occurred to both wings. The pilot reported no mechanical issues. Weather included an 80-degree left crosswind at 9 knots gusting to 18 knots.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Apr 2009 CESSNA 172E accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Apr 2009 involved a CESSNA 172E, at Tucson, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the gusting crosswinds.