# NTSB FTW90LA105: Cessna 172H, N3941R, San Angelo, TX, May 3, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 3, 1990, 13:15 local (18:15 UTC)
- Place: San Angelo, TX
- Coordinates: 31.27985, -100.410148 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.2798&lon=-100.4101&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 21, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23129
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW90LA105
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23129/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90LA105

## Probable cause

THE STUDENT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING TAKEOFF IN VARIABLE WIND CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- On ground/water encounter with weather, takeoff - roll/run
  - weather condition - high wind
  - weather condition - crosswind
  - preflight briefing service - not attained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - supervision - inadequate, flight instructor(on ground) (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT PREPARING TO TAKE-OFF FOR A VFR SUPERVISED LOCAL AREA SOLO FLIGHT ENCOUNTERED AN INCREASE IN WIND VELOCITY AND A RAPID CHANGE IN WIND DIRECTION. HE LOST CONTROL WHEN THE WIND ROLLED THE AIRCRAFT RIGHT. THE PILOT'S SUBSEQUENT CONTROL INPUTS RESULTED IN THE AIRCRAFT ROLLING LEFT AND PITCHING NOSE OVER. THE AIRCRAFT RETURNED TO THE UPRIGHT POSITION FOLLOWING DISSIPATION OF THE KINETIC ENERGIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3941R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3941R), registered now, S/N 17255441, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172H
- Registry model: [Cessna 172H](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172h) (registry code 2072424) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1725541
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Williams, John B.
- Destination: NONE
- Airport: TS65, Ducote, runway 35, 3,700 × 30 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 45 total, 45 in this make and model, 12 as pilot in command, 14 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Observed at: SJT

## 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 19900503013319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900503013319A), May 3, 1990: Cessna 172H, San Angelo, TX, Substantial damage. Solo student on takeoff roll, impacted ground with right wing tip of aircraft, plane ran off runway and tipped over (.4)the student pilot preparing to take-off…

## Other investigations on N3941R (1)

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.

- [NTSB CHI71F0001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI71F0001), Sep 14, 1969: Cessna 172 (N3941R), Three Oaks, MI, substantial damage

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.

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