No fatalities

Student Pilot Loses Control During Solo Flight in Gusty Wind (N3941R)

San Angelo, TX, US

On May 3, 1990, a Cessna 172H (registration N3941R) was involved in an aviation accident near San Angelo, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING TAKEOFF IN VARIABLE WIND CONDITIONS. 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

A student pilot on a VFR supervised solo flight lost control after encountering increased wind velocity and a rapid wind shift, leading to a series of rolls and a nose-over before the aircraft righted itself.

Flight Preparation

A student pilot was preparing for a visual flight rules (VFR) supervised local area solo flight. During the take-off preparation, the wind conditions changed markedly: wind velocity increased and wind direction shifted rapidly.

Loss of Control

The wind rolled the aircraft to the right. The pilot lost control at that moment.

Pilot's Control Inputs

In response to the rolling motion, the pilot made control inputs. These inputs caused the aircraft to roll to the left and pitch nose-over.

Aftermath

After the aircraft had rolled and pitched, kinetic energies dissipated. The aircraft then returned to the upright position.

No additional details are available from the source regarding aircraft damage, pilot injuries, or specific aircraft type.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 May 1990 Cessna 172H accident near San Angelo, TX?

A student pilot on a VFR supervised solo flight lost control after encountering increased wind velocity and a rapid wind shift, leading to a series of rolls and a nose-over before the aircraft righted itself.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 May 1990 Cessna 172H accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 May 1990 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N3941R, at San Angelo, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE STUDENT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING TAKEOFF IN VARIABLE WIND CONDITIONS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23146. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.