Primary finding
Probable cause
Failure of the pilot to maintain directional control, which resulted in an inadvertent ground swerve. The embankment beside the runway was a related factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During takeoff, the airplane went off the left side of the runway, down an embankment, and nosed over. According to the pilot, about one-quarter of the distance down the runway, the airplane 'pulled very strongly left.' he unsuccessfully tried to regain control. Examination of the airplane did not disclose evidence of a mechanical malfunction.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 10, 1992, about 2010 eastern daylight time, N69230, a Cessna 152 airplane, a personal flight, operated by Interstate Aviation, Inc. of Plainville, Connecticut, nosed over during takeoff roll on runway 20 at Robertson Airport in Plainville. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The local flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane went off the left side of the 3600 foot long runway, down an embankment, and then it nosed over. According to the pilot, "About one-quarter down runway, plane pulled very strongly to left. I tried to counteract with right rudder to no avail." The FAA examined the airplane and did not disclosed evidence of mechanical malfunction. -