Casualties unknown

1997-04-30: Cessna 177 (N2921X) — Lancaster, OH

Lancaster, OH, US

On April 30, 1997, a Cessna 177 (registration N2921X) was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's inadequate supervision and his failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane departing the runway and striking the precision approach path indicator lights. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a local training flight, a flight instructor and student pilot experienced a loss of control on takeoff when the student applied full left rudder, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and strike approach lights.

Incident Overview

A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot (SP) with less than one hour of flight time were conducting a local training flight. The CFI performed the takeoff and instructed the student to follow through on the controls, advancing the throttle slowly. The CFI advised the student to expect a correction for the wind by lowering the left wing and to use the rudders to keep the airplane straight.

Sequence of Events

As the throttle was advanced, the airplane immediately began to drift left. The CFI reported that, for an unknown reason, the student applied full left rudder. The CFI was unable to counteract this input and subsequently pulled the throttle to idle. The airplane continued off the left side of the runway, striking two Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lights before coming to a stop. The CFI did not recall whether either he or the student attempted to use the brakes.

Environmental Conditions

Winds at the time were reported from 190 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 20 knots.

Aircraft Examination

A post-incident examination of the airplane revealed no malfunctions of the brakes or nose wheel steering system.

Conclusion

The incident involved a loss of directional control during takeoff, resulting in a runway excursion and collision with ground equipment. No further details were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07820. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.