CESSNA 172P
Lyman, MS — August 23, 2012
Event Information
| Date | August 23, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA12CA531 |
| Event ID | 20120826X03612 |
| Location | Lyman, MS |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 30.51028, -89.14722 |
| Airport | Shade Tree Field |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 172P |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Probable Cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff as a result of his attempt to close an unsecured cockpit window.
Full Narrative
The private pilot reported that he was conducting his initial takeoff when the window on the cockpit door came open. He reached with his left hand to close the window and simultaneously tried to abort the takeoff. When he looked up, he observed the airplane departing the left side of the runway. He was unable to stop the airplane before it collided with perimeter trees. According to an inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration, the airframe was damaged, including a buckled engine firewall. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
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.