Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's improper aborted takeoff by extending full flaps which resulted in a porpoise. Subsequently, the airplane veered off the runway and the nose gear collapsed.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the takeoff roll, the control wheel would not move aft, and the pilot performed an aborted takeoff. During the aborted takeoff, the pilot reduced power, and extended full flaps. The airplane then porpoised and veered off the runway collapsing the nose gear. Examination of the wreckage did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunctions. The Pilot's Operating Handbook, stated to retract the flaps when aborting the takeoff.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 12, 1996 about 2130 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172P, N98730, was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff at the Essex County Airport, Fairfield, New Jersey. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight. There was no flight plan for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that he had performed two previous takeoff and landings. During a third takeoff, the control wheel would not move aft, and he aborted the takeoff. During the aborted takeoff, the airplane porpoised and veered off the runway, where the nose gear collapsed, and the propeller struck the ground. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, the pilot reported that during the aborted takeoff, he reduced power and extended full flaps. Examination of the wreckage by the FAA Inspector revealed no evidence of malfunctions with the airplane. In the Pilot's Operating Handbook, in the emergency procedures, for engine failure during takeoff run, it stated to 1. Throttle-IDLE. 2. Brakes-APPLY. 3. Wing Flaps-RETRACT. . . . The amplified procedures further stated: ". . .the most important thing to do is stop the airplane on the remaining runway. . . ." -