No fatalities

12 Apr 2012: CESSNA 172S — NORTH AIRE AVIATION LLC — Prescott, AZ

Prescott, AZ, United States
SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot practicing touch-and-go landings in a crosswind experienced a leftward veer during takeoff acceleration. The airplane exited the runway and struck a runway sign, resulting in substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot was performing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings in crosswind conditions. According to the pilot's account, the landing phase was uneventful. However, as the airplane accelerated for takeoff, it unexpectedly veered to the left.

Sequence of Events

The pilot applied control inputs to correct the veer, but the airplane continued its leftward deviation. It subsequently exited the runway surface and collided with a runway sign. The impact caused substantial damage to the fuselage, firewall, and empennage.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that no mechanical anomalies were present that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. The investigation did not identify any pre-existing mechanical issues.

Damage Assessment

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, firewall, and empennage as a result of the collision with the runway sign.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotResponse/compensation