On July 19, 1998, a Cessna 172P (registration N53630) operated by Wings Aloft Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Seattle, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft. Related factors were the student pilot's lack of total experience, and airport signs in the accident area. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a student pilot's first solo flight, the airplane veered left of centerline on landing, departed the right side of the runway, and struck airport signs. No mechanical failure was involved.
Accident Details
The accident occurred during a student pilot's first solo flight, specifically on the second landing attempt. The student pilot reported that upon touchdown, the airplane appeared to be left of the runway centerline. In response, the pilot applied right rudder. The airplane was observed touching down right wheel first, still left of the centerline. The pilot then neutralized the rudder, but the airplane continued moving toward the side of the runway. The airplane subsequently departed the right side of the runway and struck airport signs.
Pilot Information
The student pilot had accumulated a total of 25.3 flight hours at the time of the accident. The student pilot's flight instructor reported that no mechanical failure or malfunction was involved in the accident sequence.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Jul 1998 Cessna 172P accident near Seattle, WA?
During a student pilot's first solo flight, the airplane veered left of centerline on landing, departed the right side of the runway, and struck airport signs. No mechanical failure was involved.
Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jul 1998 Cessna 172P accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Jul 1998 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N53630, operated by Wings Aloft Inc., at Seattle, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft. Related factors were the student pilot's lack of total experience, and airport signs in the accident area.
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