# NTSB WPR09CA210: Cessna 172E, N3880S, Tucson, AZ, April 22, 2009 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: April 22, 2009, 13:15 local (20:15 UTC) - Place: Tucson, AZ - Coordinates: 32.13861, -111.171386 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.1386&lon=-111.1714&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report July 28, 2009 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Adminstration - NTSB case key (mKey): 73706 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR09CA210 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/73706/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA210 ## Probable cause The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the gusting crosswinds. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172E, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=2072412), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172E, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2072412), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Response/compensation (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=2072412), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md) - [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Cessna 172E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md?model=2072412), [All aircraft, 1,008 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 172E, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=2072412), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Cessna 172E, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=2072412), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) ## Analysis Just prior to rotation speed during takeoff, the airplane veered sharply to the left, departed the runway, and encountered soft sand. The reported weather around the time of the accident showed that the 80-degree left crosswind was at 9 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or system failure with the airplane prior to the accident. ## Factual narrative Just prior to rotation speed during takeoff, the airplane veered sharply to the left, departed the runway, and encountered soft sand. The reported weather around the time of the accident showed that the 80-degree left crosswind was at 9 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or system failure with the airplane prior to the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3880S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3880S-2010-03-23), registration cancelled 2010-03-23, S/N 17251080, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 172E - Registry model: [Cessna 172E](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172e) (registry code 2072412) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17251080 - Airframe hours: 2739 - Engines: CONT MOTOR O-300-C 145 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 7, 2008, 6 hours before - Departed: RYN, Tucson, AZ - Destination: RYN, Tucson, AZ - Airport: RYN, Ryan Field Airport, runway 24L, 4,900 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 68; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review July 27, 2007; seat: left; flight hours: 287 total, 287 in this make and model, 119 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 160° at 9 knots, gusting 18 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 18 °F - Altimeter: 29.95 inHg - Observed at: RYN, 1 nm away ## 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 20090422007099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20090422007099A), Apr 22, 2009: Cessna 172E, Tucson, AZ, Substantial damage. (-23) On 04-22-2009 at approximately 1311 MST, N3880S (CE-172-E) lost directional control and departed the left side of runway 24L at Ryan Field (kryn) near… 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.