The pilot was not aware of the length of the runway, and did not walk/survey it prior to the takeoff from the short, wet, soft surface. He used a combination of short- and soft-field takeoff procedures, and after becoming airborne, the “P” factor seemed “unusually strong.” He applied right aileron and rudder in an attempt to maintain directional control, but the right wing then the nose and left wing contacted the ground. The pilot further stated that there was no pre-impact failure or malfunction with the airplane or its systems.
May 13, 2008, Jamestown, Penn., Cessna 172A
The pilot was not aware of the length of the runway, and did not walk/survey it prior to the takeoff from the short, wet, soft surface. He used a combination of short- and soft-field takeoff procedures, and after becoming airborne, the "P" factor seemed "unusually strong." He applied right aileron and rudder in an attempt to maintain directional control, but the right wing then the nose and left wing contacted the ground. The pilot further stated that there was no pre-impact failure or malfunction with the airplane or its systems.
Key Takeaways:
- The pilot failed to assess the short, wet, and soft runway conditions or its length prior to takeoff.
- Immediately after becoming airborne, an unusually strong "P" factor caused a loss of directional control, leading to ground impact.
- No pre-impact mechanical failure or malfunction of the airplane or its systems was reported.
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