Probable cause: The pilot’s loss of directional control during the rejected takeoff. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s lack of familiarity with the airport runway configuration, which led to his premature attempt to take off, and the airplane’s inoperative landing light.
NTSB Accidents
Landing gear collapses
Probable cause: The failure of the landing gear through bolt primarily due to fatigue during a hard landing, which resulted in a landing gear collapse and runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was noncompliance with the manufacturer service letter.
First flight after overhaul ends in crash
Probable cause: The total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation when the cap fitting came off the inlet tee fitting on the throttle body/fuel metering unit.
Snow landing goes awry
Probable cause: The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent nose-over.
Pilot hits another plane while taxiing
Probable cause: The other pilot’s failure to see and avoid another airplane parked on the taxiway while taxiing in sun glare conditions.
172’s wing hits tree on landing
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering for landing and his decision to land on a surface with obstructions.
Go-around goes awry
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper landing flare and his subsequent failure to see and avoid a tree during a go-around.
Open canopy begins chain of events that leads to crash
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to securely lock the canopy before takeoff.
Second flight in homebuilt plane ends in stall
Probable cause: The pilot’s excessive application of aft stick during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to this accident was the pilot’s inexperience in the airplane.