CESSNA FR172 N42588 accident near De Pere, Wisconsin

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff with a tailwind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during takeoff from a grass airstrip, she applied full power and pulled back on the yoke for a soft- and short-field takeoff. She added that, after the nose came off the ground, a wind gust pushed the airplane to the left. The airplane "straddled a drainage ditch until the nose wheel caught on something," and the airplane came to rest inverted.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, right wing lift strut, and empennage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located about 7 miles north of the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 320° at 11 knots. The airplane was departing from runway 18.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA278 for the full record.