Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Loses Control During Touch and Go After Hard Landing (N94286)

West Lafayette, IN, US

On September 21, 1998, a Cessna 152 (registration N94286) was involved in an aviation accident near West Lafayette, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the touch and go takeoff. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a touch-and-go, a student pilot landed hard, then swerved left during takeoff at 40-45 knots. Despite applying right rudder, the airplane exited the runway, hit its nose, and stopped. No anomalies were found.

Event Overview

A student pilot was performing a touch-and-go landing and takeoff maneuver. During the landing phase, the aircraft contacted the runway with excessive force. Subsequently, while initiating the takeoff, at an airspeed of approximately 40 to 45 knots, the airplane abruptly veered to the left.

Pilot Actions

The student pilot reported that he applied right rudder input and attempted to regain directional control, but stated that he "could not control the airplane." The aircraft continued its leftward deviation and departed the prepared surface, traversing the grass area.

Outcome

The airplane struck its nose section against the ground and came to a stop. A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical anomalies or system malfunctions.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Sept 1998 Cessna 152 accident near West Lafayette, IN?

During a touch-and-go, a student pilot landed hard, then swerved left during takeoff at 40-45 knots. Despite applying right rudder, the airplane exited the runway, hit its nose, and stopped. No anomalies were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Sept 1998 involved a Cessna 152, registration N94286, at West Lafayette, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the touch and go takeoff.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11027. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.