On March 10, 1996, a Cessna 152 (registration N67475) was involved in an aviation accident near Lambertville, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper use of rudder control during takeoff, which resulted in loss of directional control and collision with trees. 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.
A student pilot lost directional control during takeoff, applying incorrect rudder input that caused the aircraft to depart the runway and strike trees.
What happened
During the takeoff ground run, the airplane began to veer toward the left side of the runway. The student pilot, attempting to correct the heading, applied left rudder pressure, which was identified as the wrong input for the situation. This action caused the aircraft to depart the left edge of the paved surface and head directly toward a line of trees. Recognizing the impending impact, the pilot reduced throttle power. The airplane subsequently collided with the trees before eventually coming to a complete stop.
The investigation
Post-accident examination focused on the sequence of events described by the pilot. The primary finding was the incorrect application of rudder input during the critical takeoff phase. No mechanical failures were reported as the cause of the directional deviation.
Probable cause
The student pilot's improper use of rudder control during takeoff, which resulted in loss of directional control and collision with trees.