Casualties unknown

1985-10-01: Cessna 152 (N5331P) — Kent State University — Ravenna, OH

Ravenna, OH, US

On October 1, 1985, a Cessna 152 (registration N5331P) operated by Kent State University was involved in an aviation accident near Ravenna, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot experienced directional control issues during a solo takeoff attempt, resulting in the aircraft veering off the runway and tipping over after striking a ditch.

What happened

The accident occurred during a solo training flight. According to the account provided by the student pilot, the initial phase of the operation proceeded without incident. The pilot executed a standard landing and brought the aircraft to a stop on the runway surface.

Following the landing, the pilot initiated a touch-and-go maneuver or a full-stop takeoff attempt. The pilot applied takeoff power and reached down to retract the flaps. As the aircraft began to accelerate along the runway centerline, it started to drift toward the left side of the pavement.

Recognizing the deviation from the intended flight path, the student pilot applied right rudder input in an effort to correct the trajectory. Despite this corrective action, the aircraft continued to veer sharply to the left, leaving the paved surface of the runway. The pilot attempted to abort the takeoff by cutting the engine power, but the aircraft was unable to stop before impacting a ditch adjacent to the runway.

The impact with the ditch caused the aircraft to upset and tip over onto its back. No further details regarding injuries or specific airport conditions were provided in the initial report.

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37977. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.