Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff as a result of his attempt to close an unsecured cockpit window.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot reported that he was conducting the initial takeoff when the window on the cockpit door came open. He reached with his left hand to close the window and simultaneously tried to abort the takeoff. When he looked up, he observed the airplane departing the left side of the runway. He was unable to stop the airplane before it collided with perimeter trees. Postaccident examination of the airframe revealed substantial damage to the engine firewall. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA531 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 23, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lyman, Mississippi
- Nearest airport
- Shade Tree Field (MS82)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172P
- N-number
- N65747
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.