Just Prior To Lifting The Nose For Takeoff, He And His Passenger Heard A Noise

Location: Enterprise, OR Accident Number: WPR21LA337
Date & Time: September 2, 2021, 11:30 Local Registration: N3965S
Aircraft: Cessna 172E Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 2, 2021, about 1130 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172E airplane, N3965S, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at the Enterprise Airport, Enterprise, Oregon. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot stated that that just prior to lifting the nose for takeoff, he and his passenger heard a noise and felt a bump that was different from the normal sounds made when taking off from a grass strip. After departing the airport, they visually checked the main landing gear which appeared normal. The flight to the destination airport was uneventful. The pilot reported the landing was normal, however, when the nose wheel touched down the airplane immediately veered to the left and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and the rudder. Postaccident examination revealed the upper torque link for the nose wheel was fractured.

The airplane was relocated to a secure location for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov