8 May 2018: CESSNA 172 R

8 May 2018: CESSNA 172 R — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Batavia, OH, United States

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to take off with the airplane over its maximum gross weight due to his failure to perform preflight weight and balance calculations, which affected the airplane’s takeoff performance, and his subsequent decision to abort the takeoff with too little runway remaining, which resulted in a runway excursion.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that, before the flight, he performed weight and balance and performance calculations with the initial fuel level in the airplane. The airplane fuel tanks were then filled full of fuel, but he did not amend the weight and balance or performance calculations.

The pilot reported that, during takeoff, after the airplane became airborne, he did not feel comfortable with the way the airplane was performing, so he reduced power and landed the airplane on the remaining runway. He added that, he did not have enough runway to stop and attempted to exit on a taxiway, but "understeered" and the airplane exited the runway into a ditch.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot reported on the National Transportation Safety Board 6120.1 Form that the airplane's maximum gross weight was 2,460 pounds and that the weight at the time of the accident was 2,600 pounds, about 140 pounds over the maximum gross weight.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Pilot
  • cause Pilot
  • factor Capability exceeded
  • Contributed to outcome

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 240/05kt, vis 10sm

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