Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he added power for takeoff and the airplane started to veer to the left. He stated that he attempted to correct with right rudder and brake, but the airplane departed the paved portion of the runway and the left wing impacted corn rows parallel to the runway. After impacting the corn rows, the pilot reported that the airplane spun around 180 degrees and came to rest in a drainage ditch. The right wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage.
The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA192 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 18, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fairfield, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Whitfield'S East (23NR)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna R172K
- N-number
- N5453V
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.