Aircraft: Piper Pacer. Injuries: None. Location: Cooperstown, N.Y. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot stated that, before initiating the takeoff, he noted that the two windsocks located on the runway indicated a crosswind.
Just after lifting off, he felt a gust of wind from the left, and the airplane was pushed right toward a cornfield next to the runway. He lost control of the airplane in the wind gusts and it went into a cornfield and nosed over.
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
NTSB Identification: ERA12CA475
This July 2012 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
