On September 4, 1996, a Cessna 120 (registration N2595N) was involved in an aviation accident near Nampa, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the solo student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop/swerve. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot practicing landings in a tail-wheel airplane veered off the left side of the runway into rough terrain, resulting in substantial damage. No mechanical malfunction was reported or found.
Accident
During a landing practice session, a student pilot in a tail-wheel equipped airplane veered off the left side of the runway. The aircraft subsequently entered rough terrain and sustained substantial damage. The accident occurred under calm wind conditions.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The airplane involved was a Cessna 120. The student pilot, the sole occupant, had accumulated a total of 48 hours of flying time in this make and model. No preimpact mechanical malfunction was reported by the pilot, and the investigation did not find any evidence of such malfunction.
Investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and did not discover any mechanical issues that could have contributed to the accident. The pilot's report also indicated no mechanical problems prior to the veer off the runway. The specific cause of the deviation from the runway surface was not determined.