Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Over-Rotates Aircraft During Takeoff; Private Pilot Unable to Recover (N2349U)

Kennewick, WA, US

On November 26, 1986, a Cessna 172D (registration N2349U) was involved in an aviation accident near Kennewick, WA. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, a student pilot over-rotated the aircraft on takeoff. The private pilot took control but was too low to recover. The aircraft struck the ground nose-first with a right wing low.

Incident Overview

A private pilot and a student pilot were seated in the cockpit of an aircraft for a training flight. The private pilot occupied the right front seat, while the student pilot was in the left front seat. The private pilot allowed the student pilot to perform the takeoff.

Sequence of Events

During the takeoff roll, the student pilot over-rotated the aircraft. The stall warning system activated and was sounding. The private pilot then took command of the aircraft. However, at an altitude of 60 feet above ground level (AGL), the private pilot determined that the aircraft was too low to recover from the situation. The private pilot attempted to flare the aircraft prior to ground impact. The aircraft subsequently mushed into the ground in a nose-first attitude with the right wing low.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft sustained damage upon impact with the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Nov 1986 Cessna 172D accident near Kennewick, WA?

During a training flight, a student pilot over-rotated the aircraft on takeoff. The private pilot took control but was too low to recover. The aircraft struck the ground nose-first with a right wing low.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Nov 1986 involved a Cessna 172D, registration N2349U, at Kennewick, WA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X35283. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.