On July 5, 1985, a Cessna 172M (registration N12740) was involved in an aviation accident near Hagerstown, MD. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During touch-and-go landings, a recently certificated instructor and a paraplegic student experienced a runway excursion after the aircraft veered right and rudder input produced no response, resulting in collision with taxiway signs.
Incident Details
A recently certificated flight instructor (CFI) was conducting touch-and-go landing practice with a paraplegic student pilot. The student utilized a hand control for rudder operation. While on the third landing attempt, the aircraft veered to the right, prompting the CFI to take control of the aircraft.
Sequence of Events
After the CFI assumed control, the student pilot released the hand control for the rudder. The CFI then applied left rudder input but observed no response from the aircraft. Full power was added, and the aircraft departed the right side of the runway. As the aircraft left the runway, the empennage collided with two taxiway signs and a light. The CFI subsequently regained control of the aircraft and brought it to a full stop.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 Jul 1985 Cessna 172M accident near Hagerstown, MD?
During touch-and-go landings, a recently certificated instructor and a paraplegic student experienced a runway excursion after the aircraft veered right and rudder input produced no response, resulting in collision with taxiway signs.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jul 1985 Cessna 172M accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Jul 1985 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N12740, at Hagerstown, MD.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…