On October 9, 1988, a Cessna 172 (registration N98395) was involved in an aviation accident near Carbondale, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff roll and his failure to abort the takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot lost directional control during the takeoff roll of his first solo flight, swerving left off the runway and striking a VASI installation without attempting to abort.
What happened
During the takeoff roll for what was intended to be his first solo flight, the student pilot experienced an immediate loss of directional control. Despite the aircraft beginning to deviate from the centerline, he did not attempt to abort the takeoff procedure. The aircraft swerved sharply to the left and departed the paved surface of the runway. While leaving the runway environment, the airplane struck a VASI installation before eventually coming to a complete stop.
Findings
The primary factor in this incident was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the critical takeoff phase. The decision not to abort the takeoff when control was lost contributed significantly to the outcome. The collision with the ground lighting system resulted in damage to the aircraft, though no injuries were reported.
Probable cause
The student pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff roll and his failure to abort the takeoff.
What happened in the 9 Oct 1988 Cessna 172 accident near Carbondale, IL?
A student pilot lost directional control during the takeoff roll of his first solo flight, swerving left off the runway and striking a VASI installation without attempting to abort.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Oct 1988 involved a Cessna 172, registration N98395, at Carbondale, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff roll and his failure to abort the takeoff.
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