Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN13CA040

McKinney, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N172FU

CESSNA 172S

Analysis

The student pilot reported that he was conducting a solo flight in the airport traffic pattern at the time of the accident. He stated that the airplane made a "soft landing on [the] main wheels." However, once the nose landing gear touched down, the airplane "darted" to the left. His attempts to maintain control were unsuccessful, and the airplane departed the runway pavement. A postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies related to the nosewheel steering or main wheel brakes. The recorded wind was calm about the time of the accident.

Factual Information

The student pilot reported that he was conducting a solo instructional flight in the airport traffic pattern at the time of the accident. He stated that it was a "soft landing on [the] main wheels." However, once the nose landing gear touched down the airplane "darted" to the left. His attempts to maintain control were unsuccessful and the airplane departed the runway pavement. A postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies related to the nose wheel steering or main wheel brakes. The recorded wind was calm about the time of the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot's loss of directional control during landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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