# NTSB FTW94LA301: Cessna 172K, N79897, Russellville, AR, September 17, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 17, 1994, 10:15 local (15:15 UTC)
- Place: Russellville, AR
- Coordinates: 35.26905, -93.139846 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2691&lon=-93.1398&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 27, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19162
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94LA301
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19162/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA301

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE CROSSWIND DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND ROLL. A FACTOR WAS THE CROSSWIND.

## 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
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - aborted

## Analysis

DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND ROLL THE AIRPLANE DEPARTED THE RUNWAY AND HIT A SMALL DIRT EMBANKMENT NEAR THE TAXIWAY CAUSING THE NOSE GEAR TO SEPARATE FROM THE AIRPLANE. THE AIRPLANE CAME TO REST ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE TAXIWAY. THE CROSSWIND COMPONENT WAS APPROXIMATELY 10 KNOTS.

## Factual narrative

On September 17, 1994, at 1015 central daylight time, a Cessna 172K, N79897, was substantially damaged during takeoff at Russellville, Arkansas.  The private pilot and passenger received minor injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR 91 flight.

The following information was reported by the pilot.  During the takeoff ground roll on runway 07, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane.  The airplane departed the runway, the pilot reduced power, regained directional control, and aborted the takeoff.  The airplane then impacted a small dirt embankment along the taxiway,  the nose gear separated, and the airplane "flew" across the taxiway.  The airplane came to rest in the dirt on the opposite side of the taxiway.  Official wind at the airport was from 200 degrees at 12 knots.  The crosswind component on runway 07 was approximately 10 knots.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N79897](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N79897-1994-12-14), registration cancelled 1994-12-14, S/N 17258232 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172K
- Registry model: [Cessna 172K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172k) (registry code 2072430) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17258232
- Airframe hours: 2263
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: River Valley Aviation Academy
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, August 9, 1994, 60 hours before
- Departed: MO6
- Destination: HOT, HOT SPRINGS, AR
- Airport: M06, Russellville, runway 7, 5,000 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 117 total, 67 in this make and model, 63 as pilot in command, 22 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MO6

## 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 19940917028259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940917028259A), Sep 17, 1994: Cessna 172K, Russellvile, AR, Substantial damage. Veered off runway on takeoff roll. Hit dirt bank. Separated nose gear. Failed compensate p factor and crosswind.

## Other investigations on N79897 (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 CHI71DEE89](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI71DEE89), Jun 11, 1971: Cessna 172 (N79897), Hinsdale, IL, 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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