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Student Pilot's Aircraft Noses Over After Runway Excursion During Touch-and-Go (N4722P)

Livermore, CA, US

On December 17, 1990, a Cessna 152 (registration N4722P) operated by Flying Particles Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Livermore, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOTS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS HIS LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot with 28 hours of solo experience departed the left side of Runway 25R during a touch-and-go landing and nosed over after colliding with rough terrain. The pilot reported a nose wheel steering issue, but no mechanical failures were found.

Accident Overview

A student pilot, who had accumulated 28 hours of solo flight time, was practicing takeoffs and landings on Runway 25R. During his fourth landing, intended as a touch-and-go, the aircraft veered off the left side of the runway. It subsequently struck rough terrain and came to rest inverted after nosing over.

Pilot Statement

The pilot informed FAA safety inspectors that it felt as though the nose wheel steering was not functioning properly during the event.

Aircraft Inspection

FAA airworthiness inspectors examined the aircraft following the accident. Their inspection revealed no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Dec 1990 Cessna 152 accident near Livermore, CA?

A student pilot with 28 hours of solo experience departed the left side of Runway 25R during a touch-and-go landing and nosed over after colliding with rough terrain. The pilot reported a nose wheel steering issue, but no mechanical failures were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Dec 1990 involved a Cessna 152, registration N4722P, operated by Flying Particles Inc., at Livermore, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE STUDENT PILOTS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS HIS LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24773. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.