Probable cause
The pilot's failure to remove the gust lock during the preflight inspection, resulting in a loss of control and collision with trees during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, he tried to abort the takeoff because he had not removed the bolt he had placed in the yoke for a gust lock. He reported that the crosswind pushed the airplane off the right side of the runway into the grass, the airplane impacted trees, and sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. The pilot reported that the accident was due to him not removing the bolt in the yoke.
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA088 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 23, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sussex, New Jersey
- Nearest airport
- Sussex (FWN)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N9959V
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- 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.