Casualties unknown

Runway Excursion After Misinterpreted Takeoff Clearance (N6374M)

Tulsa, OK, US

On January 21, 1994, a Cessna 152 (registration N6374M) operated by Spartan Aeronautics was involved in an aviation accident near Tulsa, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER BRAKING TECHNIQUE AND THE RESULTANT FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT NOT OBTAINING AN ATC CLEARANCE PRIOR TO TAKEOFF. 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 pilot, after receiving a clearance to hold on Runway 19R, mistakenly believed he was cleared for takeoff and began the roll. Told to abort, the aircraft veered left, left the runway, and hit a PAPI light.

Incident Overview

A pilot operating an aircraft on Runway 19R initially received an air traffic control clearance to taxi into position and hold. While holding, the pilot heard what he interpreted as a clearance to take off. He acknowledged the perceived clearance and initiated a takeoff roll.

Aborted Takeoff and Directional Control

After the aircraft attained minimum flying airspeed, the pilot was instructed to abort the takeoff. In response, he reduced engine power and applied braking. The pilot later stated that the left brake grabbed more than the right brake. According to one of two student pilot statements submitted, the left brake was apparently hit harder than the right brake. The aircraft then veered to the left, departed the runway, and struck a precision approach path indicator (PAPI) light.

Pilot's Account

The pilot reported that during the braking, the asymmetric braking caused the aircraft to pull left. The aircraft subsequently left the runway surface and impacted a PAPI light fixture. No further details regarding aircraft condition or pilot experience were provided in the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jan 1994 Cessna 152 accident near Tulsa, OK?

A pilot, after receiving a clearance to hold on Runway 19R, mistakenly believed he was cleared for takeoff and began the roll. Told to abort, the aircraft veered left, left the runway, and hit a PAPI light.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jan 1994 involved a Cessna 152, registration N6374M, operated by Spartan Aeronautics, at Tulsa, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER BRAKING TECHNIQUE AND THE RESULTANT FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT NOT OBTAINING AN ATC CLEARANCE PRIOR TO TAKEOFF.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00632. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.