Casualties unknown

1991-05-28: Cessna 152 (N5299B) — Hillsdale Aero Inc. — Hillsdale, MI

Hillsdale, MI, US

On May 28, 1991, a Cessna 152 (registration N5299B) operated by Hillsdale Aero Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Hillsdale, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND RUN. A FACTOR ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCIDENT IS THE PILOT'S LACK 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot nosed over in a plowed field after losing directional control while correcting for a tailwind during his first solo takeoff. The accident occurred after a one-hour instructional period.

Accident Overview

A student pilot, on his first supervised solo flight, experienced a loss of directional control during the takeoff roll and subsequently left the runway, nosing over in soft terrain. The accident took place following a one-hour period of instruction with a certified flight instructor.

Sequence of Events

According to the student pilot's account, he lost directional control while attempting to correct for a tailwind coming from the south. Despite his efforts to straighten the takeoff roll, the airplane veered off the runway into a plowed field, where it nosed over.

Pilot Background

The student pilot had just completed a supervised instructional session and was released for his first solo flight. The accident occurred during his initial solo takeoff attempt.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16964. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.