No fatalities

Airplane Drifts Left During Takeoff, Strikes Trees

Bally, PA, United States

On March 30, 2013, a CESSNA 172N operated by Aero-Tech Services was involved in an aviation accident near Bally, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. 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

During takeoff on runway 34, the airplane drifted left, exited the runway, and struck a grove of pine trees, resulting in substantial damage to the tail and right wing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.

Accident Overview

A pilot reported that during takeoff from runway 34, the airplane began to drift to the left after the control yoke was pulled back. The pilot was unable to correct the drift, and the airplane exited the runway, rolling into a grove of pine trees. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the tail section and right wing.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that he conducted an engine run-up prior to departure, and all systems were functioning properly. He taxied onto the runway and initiated the takeoff roll. As the airplane accelerated and the pilot pulled back on the control yoke, the airplane began to veer left. Despite attempts to correct, the pilot lost directional control, and the airplane departed the runway surface.

Damage and Aftermath

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the tail section and right wing after striking the pine trees. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Mar 2013 CESSNA 172N accident near Bally, PA?

During takeoff on runway 34, the airplane drifted left, exited the runway, and struck a grove of pine trees, resulting in substantial damage to the tail and right wing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Mar 2013 CESSNA 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Mar 2013 involved a CESSNA 172N, operated by Aero-Tech Services, at Bally, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.