Culebra, PR, USA
N24461
CESSNA 172R
After doing an engine runup the pilot taxied onto the runway and started his takeoff roll. During the attempted takeoff, the pilot realized that the control wheel would not move aft when he tried to pull back on it. He saw that the flight control lock was still installed, so he attempted to remove it but was not successful. The airplane was approaching the airport perimeter fence, so the pilot aborted the takeoff. The airplane impacted the fence, crossed a road, and struck trees. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the airplane’s wings and fuselage. Checklist procedures for the airplane required that the control wheel lock for the airplane be removed during the preflight inspection, and that the flight controls be checked prior to takeoff to ensure free and correct operation before takeoff. However, during a postaccident interview, the pilot stated that he did not use the checklist.
After doing an engine runup the pilot taxied onto the runway and started his takeoff roll. At approximately 60 knots indicated airspeed he attempted to rotate for takeoff and realized that the control wheel would not move when he attempted to pull back on it. He then observed that the flight control lock was still installed so he attempted to remove it. He pulled on the flight control lock, but it would not come out. He then observed that he was approaching the airport perimeter fence so he shut down the engine and attempted to use the elevator trim to raise the nose. The airplane then impacted the fence, bounced off a road, and struck trees. Post accident examination of the airplane revealed that the wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. Checklist procedures for the airplane required that the control wheel lock for the airplane be removed during the preflight inspection, and the flight controls be checked prior to takeoff, to assure that they were free and correct. However, during a post accident interview the pilot advised that he did not use the checklist.
The pilot's failure to remove the flight control lock before takeoff.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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