Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot was attempting a soft field takeoff on a paved runway. He advanced the throttle to the full forward position and applied full back pressure on the flight controls to begin the takeoff roll. However, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot tried to counteract the veer by applying right rudder and when that was unsuccessful, elected to reject the takeoff. The airplane’s horizontal stabilizer was substantially damaged when the airplane exited the runway and struck a frangible airport sign. Postaccident examination revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA151 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 1, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Murphysboro, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Southern Illinois Airport (MDH)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N546A
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.