Pilot Told A Responding Law Enforcement Officer That He “Lost It On The Takeoff”

Location: Great Valley, New York Accident Number: ERA21FA178
Date & Time: April 7, 2021, 14:08 Local Registration: N24RG
Aircraft: Cessna 177B Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: Witnesses who saw the accident airplane depart stated that it entered a 90° bank after becoming airborne. The airplane’s left wing struck the ground and the airplane cartwheeled and was consumed by a postimpact fire.

The pilot told a responding law enforcement officer that he “lost it on the takeoff,” but later could not recall the accident.

Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical deficiencies that would have precluded normal operation at the time of impact. It is likely that the pilot failed to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff, which resulted in impact with terrain.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain control during takeoff.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov