Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Nose Gear Collapse During Touch-and-Go Practice (N53445)

Columbia, SC, US

On October 1, 1983, a Cessna 172P (registration N53445) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and striking a drainage ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot practicing touch-and-go landings veered left off the runway during takeoff roll, striking a drainage ditch and collapsing the nose gear.

What happened

The student pilot was conducting practice maneuvers at an airfield, specifically focusing on touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. The operations were centered around Runway 11. During the sequence of exercises, the aircraft completed three successful landings before initiating a fourth.

As the aircraft began its rollout following the fourth landing, the pilot applied power to execute another takeoff. At this critical moment, the aircraft deviated from the runway centerline, veering sharply to the left. The plane exited the paved surface and entered a drainage ditch located adjacent to the runway. Upon impact with the ditch, the nose gear structure failed under the stress.

Despite the mechanical failure of the landing gear, the aircraft briefly became airborne again before touching down once more. This second contact caused the aircraft to nose over, coming to rest in an inverted or forward-leaning position on the ground.

Probable cause

The student pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and striking a drainage ditch.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Oct 1983 Cessna 172P accident near Columbia, SC?

A student pilot practicing touch-and-go landings veered left off the runway during takeoff roll, striking a drainage ditch and collapsing the nose gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Oct 1983 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N53445, at Columbia, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and striking a drainage ditch.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44735. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.