Probable cause
The pilot’s improper decision to abort the takeoff with insufficient runway remaining to safely stop the airplane.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, after taking off from an unimproved gravel surface in a field, he did not feel comfortable with the airplane's performance, so he chose to abort the takeoff. The airplane touched down on soft dirt, and the nose landing gear then dug into the dirt and separated from the airplane. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA369 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 20, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bruington, Virginia
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N8090X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1961
- 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.