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Student Pilot Veers Off Runway During Landing Practice in Tail-Wheel Aircraft (N2595N)

Nampa, ID, US

On September 4, 1996, a Cessna 120 (registration N2595N) was involved in an aviation accident near Nampa, ID. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Sept 1996 Cessna 120 accident near Nampa, ID?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Sept 1996 Cessna 120 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Sept 1996 involved a Cessna 120, registration N2595N, at Nampa, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the solo student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop/swerve.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06811. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.