Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during the takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was attempting to take off on a turf runway that had a few muddy spots. He added power to the engine and back pressure on the flight control yoke to "protect the nose wheel." As the airplane accelerated, he applied right rudder to keep the airplane centered on the runway. The airplane was not turning as it should and had not lifted off, so he closed the throttle to reject the takeoff. The airplane struck trees on the left side of the runway and spun sideways into some additional smaller trees and bushes. The left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies that could have contributed to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA205 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 31, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lakeview, Arkansas
- Nearest airport
- Gastons (3M0)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N52794
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2002
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.