At about 10:25 eastern time, a Cessna 172P was damaged during takeoff from Cross Keys Airport, leaving the pilot with minor injuries. The pilot said he was flying from the front right seat, practicing for his CFI practical test, when during his takeoff roll the seat slid rearward. He aborted the takeoff, secured the seat and departed uneventfully. He performed some maneuvers and landed at Millville Municipal Airport. He then departed and returned to Cross Keys. After landing, he made another takeoff, and this time the seat slid rearward again and he lost control of the airplane. The airplane climbed 20 to 30 feet, then cartwheeled along the left wing, struck two parked airplanes and burned. The holes in the right front seat tracks were worn and oblong, despite the fact that the airplane had recently undergone a 100-hour inspection.
Sept. 8, Cross Keys, N.J. / Cessna Skyhawk
At about 10:25 eastern time, a Cessna 172P was damaged during takeoff from Cross Keys Airport, leaving the pilot with minor injuries. The pilot said he was flying from the front right seat, practicing for his CFI practical test, when during his takeoff roll the seat slid rearward. He aborted the takeoff, secured the seat and departed uneventfully. He performed some maneuvers and landed at Millville Municipal Airport. He then departed and returned to Cross Keys. After landing, he made another takeoff, and this time the seat slid rearward again and he lost control of the airplane. The airplane climbed 20 to 30 feet, then cartwheeled along the left wing, struck two parked airplanes and burned...
Key Takeaways:
- A Cessna 172P was extensively damaged by fire after crashing during its second takeoff attempt at Cross Keys Airport, with the pilot sustaining minor injuries.
- The accident occurred when the pilot's seat slid rearward during takeoff, causing a loss of control that led the plane to climb, cartwheel, strike two parked aircraft, and burn.
- Investigation revealed worn and oblong holes in the right front seat tracks, indicating a critical mechanical issue potentially overlooked during a recent 100-hour inspection.
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