Cessna 172 N2124E accident near Orangeburg, South Carolina

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff, resulting in a runway excursion and a nose over.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported while practicing take offs and landings, he made a standard approach and landing to runway 35. On takeoff, he reduced the flaps to zero degrees and he reported that the airplane was under control and over the runway centerline. After he applied full power and right rudder before lifting off the ground, the airplane started turning to the left sharply. He applied additional right rudder, he reduced the power, and applied full brakes. The airplane departed the runway to left into a swamp and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and the firewall.

The pilot verified that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that the wind velocity at the accident site was 6 to 7 knots and the wind direction was 330 degrees. The weather reporting facility at the accident site reported that about 3 minutes after the accident time that the wind velocity was 7 knots and the wind direction was 310 degrees.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA181 for the full record.