Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the gusting crosswinds.
NTSB analysis
Just prior to rotation speed during takeoff, the airplane veered sharply to the left, departed the runway, and encountered soft sand. The reported weather around the time of the accident showed that the 80-degree left crosswind was at 9 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or system failure with the airplane prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA210 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 22, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tucson, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Ryan Field Airport (RYN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172E
- N-number
- N3880S
- 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.