Investigators Blame American Airlines Pilot for Bad Takeoff

The left wingtip damage and portion of distance remaining marker support structure lodge in wingtip that was damaged during an accident in New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, on April 10, 2019. American Airlines via AP

WASHINGTON—Federal investigators say a mistake by the captain of an American Airlines flight caused the plane’s wing to clip the ground during takeoff from John F. Kennedy International Airport in 2019.

The National National Transportation Safety Board said the captain applied too much rudder power to offset a crosswind, causing the plane to veer to the left and nearly leave the runway.