Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Noses Over During First Solo Takeoff After Losing Directional Control (N5299B)

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 2026-07-04Data 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.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 May 1991 Cessna 152 accident near Hillsdale, MI?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 May 1991 involved a Cessna 152, registration N5299B, operated by Hillsdale Aero Inc., at Hillsdale, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

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.