Casualties unknown

CFI-PIC and CFI-Trainee Accident During Soft Field Takeoff (N9303D)

Sanford, FL, US

On April 24, 1998, a Cessna 172RG (registration N9303D) was involved in an aviation accident near Sanford, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadvertent stall of the airplane and inadequate supervision of the student by the CFI-PIC while performing a soft field takeoff. 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

During a soft field takeoff with a 6-knot tailwind, the airplane veered left. Full right rudder did not correct the turn. Power reduction resulted in right wing drop and ground impact. No preimpact control cable failures were found.

Accident Sequence

The CFI-PIC stated that the CFI-trainee was performing a soft field takeoff with a 6 knot tailwind. After rotation, while attempting to accelerate, the airplane began veering to the left. The CFI-PIC applied full right rudder input, but the left turn continued. The CFI-PIC then reduced power, the right wing dropped, and the airplane impacted the ground. The airplane came to rest upright 180 degrees from the departure runway heading.

Aircraft Examination

Examination of the aileron and elevator flight control cables revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. Impact damage to the airplane precluded determination of rigging of the aileron flight controls. Review of the airplane squawk sheets for the airplane revealed no discrepancies noted for the aileron flight controls. The engine was removed from the airplane, the impact damaged propeller was replaced, and the engine was started and found to operate normally.

Student Statement

According to another student of the flight school, while performing power-on and power-off stalls, full right rudder would not hold directional control and the left wing would stall first.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Apr 1998 Cessna 172RG accident near Sanford, FL?

During a soft field takeoff with a 6-knot tailwind, the airplane veered left. Full right rudder did not correct the turn. Power reduction resulted in right wing drop and ground impact. No preimpact control cable failures were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Apr 1998 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N9303D, at Sanford, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The inadvertent stall of the airplane and inadequate supervision of the student by the CFI-PIC while performing a soft field takeoff.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09926. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.