3 May 2010: CESSNA 172S — OPENSKY AIRWAYS LLC

3 May 2010: CESSNA 172S — OPENSKY AIRWAYS LLC

No fatalities • Palo Alto, CA, United States

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the certified flight instructor’s delayed response to the student pilot's loss of control during the takeoff roll.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that the student pilot, who was seated in the left seat, was performing a short field takeoff. The CFI said that during the takeoff, the airplane yawed left dramatically and became airborne in a nose-high attitude. The CFI reported that she took control and "pushed" forward on the yoke and regained control of the airplane; however, in the process, the airplane collided with an anemometer pole. The CFI reported that she was able to continue the flight, entered a non-standard pattern for the runway and landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer; damage was also noted to the right wing. No pre accident mechanical deficiencies or anomalies with the airplane were reported.

Contributing factors

  • Contributed to outcome
  • cause Instructor/check pilot
  • cause Student pilot
  • cause Student pilot
  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 000/06kt, vis 30sm

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