The solo student pilot reported that during takeoff the Cessna 172 veered off the runway at the airport in Kissimmee, Florida, and hit a wind sock.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The student pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause: The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
NTSB Identification: GAA16CA415
This July 2016 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.
On a Twin Otter, the last line on the before take-off and final landing checklist says “nose wheel white mark …….aligned”.
You never use nose wheel steering for keeping the nose straight down the runway during take-offs and landings. Rudder pedals do a great job.
However, a captain with many hours on the type was kind of accident/incident prone. He hit a wind sock two times, scraped a side of a boundary wall, initiated a take-off run 20 meters left of the runway centre line. Because he thought he could do it using nose wheel tiller. Few years later, he had a tragic crash and passed away.
Checklists are there in the cockpit but to abide by them needs more situational awareness.
Happy landings !!
Darn wind socks, sometimes they just keep getting in peoples way and make no reason for it ! I wish I knew the reason for this, I’m sure insurance company’s would too..heehee..