NTSB Factual Report

On July 9, 2001, at 1945 central daylight time, a Cessna 172 airplane, N1581V, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain and trees during takeoff from the Lake Texoma State Park Airport, Kingston, Oklahoma. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by Classic Aviation of Addison, Texas. The private pilot and his two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Addison, Texas.

During a telephone interview conducted by the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot stated that during takeoff roll on runway 36, the aircraft veered to the left. The pilot stated that the airplane was heading toward trees, and he elected to pull aft on the control yoke to prevent a head on impact with the trees. The airplane took off, cleared the trees, then "stalled," impacting a clear area behind the trees. The airplane skidded 20-30 yards before impacting trees and coming to rest upright. The pilot reported that the wind was calm at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, the airplane's left outboard wing was bent up, the fuselage was buckled and the landing gear were collapsed

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which required his evasive maneuver and resulted in a stall.