Casualties unknown

1994-01-25: Cessna 172N (N6375D) — Sierra Academy OF Aeronautics — Livermore, CA

Livermore, CA, US

On January 25, 1994, a Cessna 172N (registration N6375D) operated by Sierra Academy OF Aeronautics was involved in an aviation accident near Livermore, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff due to improper use of the rudder. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 16 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 practicing touch-and-go landings lost directional control during takeoff due to improper rudder usage with full flaps, causing the aircraft to exit the runway and nose over. No mechanical failures were reported.

What happened

The incident occurred while a student pilot was conducting flight training maneuvers at an airport. The primary objective of the session was practicing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. During the final attempt of this sequence, the student initiated a takeoff roll with the aircraft's flaps fully extended.

Shortly after becoming airborne or during the initial climb phase, the pilot failed to maintain directional control of the airplane. The investigation determined that this loss of control was caused by the improper use of the rudder pedals. As a result of the uncorrected yaw, the aircraft departed the left side of the runway surface.

The force of the departure caused the nose gear to collapse, resulting in the airplane nosing over onto its back. Despite the significant damage to the airframe, there were no reported injuries to any occupants, and no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane or engine were identified prior to the accident.

The investigation

Examination of the event revealed that the aircraft did not suffer from any pre-impact mechanical issues. The primary factor was the pilot's handling of the controls during a high-power, low-speed configuration with full flaps.

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff due to improper use of the rudder.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00647. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.