PIPER PA-20
Cooperstown, NY — July 21, 2012
Event Information
| Date | July 21, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA12CA475 |
| Event ID | 20120724X95952 |
| Location | Cooperstown, NY |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.62917, -74.89111 |
| Airport | Cooperstown-Westville Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-20 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated that prior to initiating the takeoff, he observed that the two windsocks located on the runway indicated a crosswind. Just after lifting off, the pilot felt a gust of wind from the left, and the airplane was pushed right towards a cornfield located next to the runway. The right wingtip impacted cornstalks, and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted in the field, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and both left and right wings. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.