# NTSB ATL03LA093: Cessna 172K, N7412G, Bristol, TN, May 15, 2003 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 14, 2003, 23:25 local (May 15, 2003, 03:25 UTC) - Place: Bristol, TN - Coordinates: 36.475276, -82.407501 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.4753&lon=-82.4075&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report November 25, 2003 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Nashville FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 56988 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL03LA093 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/56988/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA093 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper use of the rudder controls during the takeoff roll resulting in a loss of directional control, and the on-ground collision with an embankment. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run - rudder - improper use of, pilot in command (cause) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run - terrain condition - drop-off/descending embankment - Nose over, takeoff - roll/run ## Analysis The pilot said that on the takeoff roll the airplane reached 40 mph and then it veered to the left. He applied too much right rudder and then overcorrected with left rudder. The airplane departed the runway to the left into the grass, collided with an embankment, and nosed over. Examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies with the brake or flight control system. ## Factual narrative On May 14, 2003, at 2325 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172K, N7412G, registered to Skycrafters Incorporated, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, veered to the left on takeoff roll at Tri Cities Airport, Bristol, Tennessee. The airplane departed the runway, collided with an embankment, and nosed over. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot reported minor injuries. The flight originated from Tri Cities Regional Airport, Bristol, Tennessee, on May 14, 2003, at 2325. The pilot stated he had just completed a full stop landing to runway 23. The winds were calm. He completed the after landing check and before takeoff check while on the runway. He requested and received clearance for takeoff. The airplane reached about 40 mph and veered to the left. The pilot stated he applied too much right rudder and then overcorrected with left rudder. The airplane departed the runway to the left into the grass, collided with an embankment, and nosed over inverted. The tail section was crushed. The pilot stated the airplane did not have a mechanical failure before it veered to the left. Examination of the airplane by an authorized FAA repair station revealed no anomalies with the brakes or flight control system. The left brake line was damaged during the impact sequence. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N7412G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7412G-2012-10-22), registration cancelled 2012-10-22, S/N 17259112, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 172K - Registry model: [Cessna 172K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172k) (registry code 2072430) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17259112 - Airframe hours: 8771 - Engines: Lycoming IO320-E20 150 hp reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Skycrafters Incorporated - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, April 22, 2003, 125 hours before - Departed: TRI, Bristol, TN - Airport: TRI, Tri-Cities Regional Airport, runway 23, 8,000 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 51; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review October 1, 2001; seat: left; flight hours: 620 total, 350 in this make and model, 520 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 55 °F - Altimeter: 29.93 inHg - Observed at: TRI ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20030514015259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030514015259A), May 14, 2003: Cessna 172K, Bristol-Johnson, TN, Destroyed. (-23) Pilot lost control of the aircraft on take-off. The aircraft veered left off the runway and landed upside down, approximately 600 feet from edge of… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.