Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control after takeoff resulting in contact with the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning resulting in a takeoff from a short, wet, soft, runway.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was not aware of the length of the runway, and did not walk/survey the runway prior to the takeoff from the short, wet, soft runway. He used a combination short and soft field takeoff procedures, and after becoming airborne, the "P" factor (left turning tendency) seemed "unusually strong." He applied right aileron and rudder in an attempt to maintain directional control, but the right wing then the nose and left wing contacted the ground. The pilot further stated that there was no preimpact failure or malfunction with the airplane or its systems.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for MIA08CA100 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 13, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Jamestown, Pennsylvania
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172A
- N-number
- N9822T
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.