Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During takeoff with a 50 degree left crosswind, the airplane veered left, off of the runway. As the airplane traveled over the grass, the nose wheel entered a depression, collapsing the gear. The airplane slowly nosed over. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
On December 11, 1994, at 1203 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172, N5466D, veered off the left side of runway 05, and collided with the ground during an aborted takeoff from Grand Strand Airport, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 with an instrument flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the pilot was not injured. The accident occurred during the initial takeoff attempt. According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll, the airplane veered left about 30 degrees and departed the runway surface. As the airplane departed the runway, the pilot reduced engine power, and the airplane continued to roll in the grass until the nose wheel entered a depression and collapsed. The airplane nosed over in an area of uneven terrain. -