Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Releases Controls, Airplane Veers Off Runway and Strikes Trees (N9167T)

Bessemer, AL, US

On July 25, 1996, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N9167T) was involved in an aviation accident near Bessemer, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The dual student's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during landing, and the flight instructor's failure to properly supervise the flight. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During touch-and-go landing practice, a student pilot released the flight controls on landing roll. The flight instructor failed to regain control, and the airplane veered off the runway into a ravine, colliding with trees.

Event Overview

A certified flight instructor and a dual student were conducting touch-and-go landing practice at an airport. During an attempted landing, the dual student released the flight controls during the landing roll. The certified flight instructor did not regain control of the airplane before it veered off the right side of the runway.

Sequence of Events

After departing the runway surface, the airplane rolled down a ravine into a wooded area, where it collided with trees. The accident occurred during daytime conditions, and no additional details about the aircraft, occupants, or injuries were provided in the source material.

Investigation Findings

The investigation determined that the student pilot's release of the controls during the landing roll, combined with the instructor's inability to regain control, led to the loss of directional control. The airplane subsequently departed the runway and entered terrain not suitable for landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06161. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.