Casualties unknown

Solo Student Pilot Aircraft Collides With Terrain After Takeoff (N67752)

Scottsdale, AZ, US

On October 22, 1986, a Cessna 152 (registration N67752) operated by Deer Valley Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Scottsdale, AZ. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot on a solo instructional flight experienced an unexpected right wing rise during takeoff, causing the aircraft to veer left and collide with terrain shortly after liftoff.

What happened

The accident occurred during a first solo instructional flight. The pilot was conducting a takeoff from his third touch-and-go maneuver when the incident began. At an altitude of approximately 10 feet above ground level, the right wing of the aircraft suddenly rose. This unexpected movement caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the left. As the plane deviated from the runway centerline, the left main landing gear collided with a taxiway marker. Following this impact, the aircraft continued its trajectory and collided with the terrain.

The investigation

The factual narrative provided in the source material is limited to the immediate sequence of events during the accident flight. There is no additional information available regarding mechanical inspections, maintenance records, or post-accident examination of the airframe. Consequently, no further investigative findings can be reported based on the provided text.

Findings

The primary factor leading to the accident was the sudden rise of the right wing during the critical phase of takeoff. This aerodynamic anomaly caused the aircraft to veer left, resulting in ground contact with a taxiway marker and subsequent terrain collision. The event took place during a solo instructional flight, specifically after the third touch-and-go attempt.

Safety message

This incident highlights the risks associated with solo flights, particularly during takeoff maneuvers. Pilots must maintain strict control awareness and be prepared for unexpected aircraft behavior during low-altitude operations.

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Oct 1986 Cessna 152 accident near Scottsdale, AZ?

A student pilot on a solo instructional flight experienced an unexpected right wing rise during takeoff, causing the aircraft to veer left and collide with terrain shortly after liftoff.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Oct 1986 involved a Cessna 152, registration N67752, operated by Deer Valley Aviation, at Scottsdale, AZ.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34996. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.