On 26 Sep 2010, a CESSNA 195 operated by Dean Wollaston was involved in an aviation accident near Prescott, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, resulting in a runway excursion. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During takeoff on runway 21L with a left crosswind, the aircraft drifted right, then after a left correction it turned abruptly left, then sharply right with the tail swinging left. It departed the right side, snapping the left main landing gear and damaging the left wing and aileron.
Accident Sequence
The pilot initiated the takeoff roll on runway 21L. A slight crosswind was blowing from the left. According to the pilot, the initial portion of the roll felt normal. However, soon after, the aircraft began to drift toward the right side of the runway. The pilot applied a correction to the left. In response, the aircraft executed an abrupt left turn. Immediately following this, the aircraft turned sharply back to the right, with the tail swinging to the left. The aircraft subsequently exited the right side of the runway surface.
Damage
As a result of departing the runway, the left main landing gear snapped off. The left wing and aileron sustained substantial damage.
Contributing factors
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot