Accident Details
On January 4, 2024, at approximately 1246 central standard time, a Cessna 172N airplane, registration N3477E, was substantially damaged during a takeoff accident at Middleton Municipal Airport-Morey Field (C29), Middleton, Wisconsin. The student pilot, who was operating the airplane on a solo instructional flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, was not injured.
The student pilot had departed C29 and flown to Sauk/Prairie Airport (91C) in Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin, where he performed several uneventful takeoffs and landings before returning to C29. After landing, he taxied back to runway 28 and configured the airplane for takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the airplane veered to the left of the runway centerline, and the student pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and nosed over in a marshy area adjacent to the runway.
Examination Findings
Postaccident examination by an FAA inspector revealed substantial damage to the airplane’s rudder and right-wing lift strut. Hand rotation of the main landing gear wheel assemblies showed more resistance in the left main landing gear wheel compared to the right. Tire abrasions on the runway from the left main landing gear tire indicated a trajectory toward the left side of the runway. Additionally, three evenly spaced linear impressions were found in the grass, extending from the runway edge to the wreckage.
Further examination of the hydraulic brake system disclosed angular wear on the inboard brake pad of the left main landing gear brake assembly, while the outboard pad exhibited even wear. The left brake assembly anchor bolts showed signs of corrosion and surface pitting. The left brake disc displayed angular wear consistent with that of the inboard brake pad. No anomalies were noted with the nosewheel steering or flight control systems.
Maintenance History
Review of the airplane’s maintenance records indicated the last 100-hour inspection was completed on December 19, 2023, at which time the airplane had accrued a total of 17,459.5 hours of service. During that inspection, the left main landing gear tire and one left brake pad were replaced. The airplane had accrued 14.4 hours of service since the inspection, which took place 16 days before the accident.
According to the airplane’s maintenance publications, the brake assembly anchor bolts should be free of corrosion or damage to their surface area to prevent binding with the pressure plate or torque plate.