Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll and the subsequent aborted takeoff in a gusting crosswind.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot, who had just completed a full-stop landing and taxied back to the approach end of the runway, started the takeoff roll with a right quartering headwind of about 8 knots. Just as he prepared to takeoff, a wind gust lifted the right wing and the airplane yawed to the left. Although the student applied right aileron and rudder to correct for the gust, the airplane continued toward the left edge of the runway. The student decided to abort the takeoff, reduce the power to idle, and apply the brakes. However, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and collided with a bush, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. According to the pilot and the operator, there was no indication of any preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12CA412 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 10, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mobile, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Mobile (1AZO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grob-Werke G 120A
- N-number
- N863AF
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.