No fatalities

Student Pilot Noses Over Aircraft During Aborted Takeoff (N5225B)

Rochelle, IL, US

On May 6, 1997, a Cessna 152 (registration N5225B) was involved in an aviation accident near Rochelle, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff and the use of excessive braking after deciding to abort the takeoff. A factor was the pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment during the landing. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot aborted a takeoff after seeing a fence, applying full brakes which caused the aircraft to nose over on the grass.

What happened

The incident occurred during a training flight involving a student pilot. The pilot reported experiencing difficulty aligning the aircraft with the centerline of the landing runway prior to the event. At the moment of touchdown, the pilot noted that the nose of the airplane was pointed to the left of the intended centerline.

Following this initial contact, the aircraft departed the paved surface and moved onto the grass adjacent to the runway. The student pilot attempted to execute a go-around maneuver while the aircraft was on the grass. He reported that the airplane failed to lift off, both before and after he retracted the flaps.

Subsequently, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff operation upon observing a fence directly in front of the aircraft. To stop the forward momentum, he applied full braking pressure. The application of these brakes resulted in the aircraft nosing over.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 May 1997 Cessna 152 accident near Rochelle, IL?

A student pilot aborted a takeoff after seeing a fence, applying full brakes which caused the aircraft to nose over on the grass.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 May 1997 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 May 1997 involved a Cessna 152, registration N5225B, at Rochelle, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff and the use of excessive braking after deciding to abort the takeoff. A factor was the pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment during the landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07866. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.