Casualties unknown

1991-10-11: Cessna 170B (N4606C) — Fitzgibbon, Paul Gratton — Chugiak, AK

Chugiak, AK, US

On October 11, 1991, a Cessna 170B (registration N4606C) operated by Fitzgibbon, Paul Gratton was involved in an aviation accident near Chugiak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE TAKEOFF RUN. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot, practicing solo takeoffs and landings under instructor supervision, lost control during a takeoff roll after partial power application, resulting in the airplane nosing over.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was conducting solo takeoff and landing practice while the flight instructor supervised from the ramp. After completing several circuits, the student taxied to the instructor's location. The instructor then directed the student to continue practicing. The student taxied to the runway and initiated a takeoff roll.

Sequence of Events

During the takeoff roll, the student pilot applied only partial power. The airplane became airborne but immediately began to veer to the left. The student responded by applying right rudder. The airplane did not respond as expected, prompting the student to abort the takeoff by reducing the throttle. However, the student stated that he failed to remove the right rudder input. As a result, the airplane made a sharp right turn. The left wing subsequently struck the runway surface, and the airplane nosed over.

Additional Details

The incident occurred during a solo training flight with the instructor observing from the ground. The student had completed multiple takeoffs and landings prior to this event. The airplane was damaged during the nose-over. No other information regarding the aircraft type, registration, date, location, or occupant injuries was provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18224. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.