HOLLISTER, CA, USA
N1819N
Cessna 120
The pilot said he lost control of the airplane as he applied right rudder to maintain runway alignment during the takeoff ground roll. The airplane then veered to the right and departed the runway. The airplane nosed over when he applied the brakes to avoid a collision with vegetation and another airplane. The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane before the accident, and the winds were variable at 15 to 20 knots.
On June 17, 1997, at 1300 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 120, N1819N, nosed over after an on ground loss of control during takeoff from the Hollister, California, Municipal Airport. The airplane was substantially damaged and the certificated commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated by the owner/pilot as a personal flight when the accident occurred. The flight was destined for San Jose, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot indicated he applied right rudder as the airplane accelerated to maintain runway alignment. The airplane then veered to the right and departed the runway. The airplane nosed over when the pilot applied the brakes to avoid a collision with vegetation and an airplane on another runway. The pilot also indicated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane before the accident. The pilot reported the winds were variable and gusting 15 to 20 knots.
the pilot's excessive use of right rudder during the initial stages of the takeoff ground roll, which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control. The unfavorable wind was a related factor.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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