Casualties unknown

1998-11-03: Cessna 152 (N46887) — Tomball, TX

Tomball, TX, US

On November 3, 1998, a Cessna 152 (registration N46887) was involved in an aviation accident near Tomball, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During his first solo flight, a 22-hour student pilot lost control of the airplane while applying takeoff power on the takeoff roll, departing the left side of runway 17R into muddy ground and nosing over.

Incident Overview

A student pilot, who had accumulated 22 hours of flight time, experienced a loss of control during the takeoff roll of his second takeoff on his first solo flight. The accident occurred while operating from runway 17R.

Sequence of Events

According to the official investigation, the student pilot had successfully completed five touch-and-go landings with his flight instructor prior to being endorsed for solo flight. After receiving the endorsement, he began his first solo flight. During the second takeoff attempt, as he applied takeoff power, control was lost. Tower personnel observed the airplane departing the left side of the runway, entering muddy terrain adjacent to the runway edge, and subsequently nosing over.

Environmental Conditions

At the time of the accident, the wind was reported as variable at 3 knots.

Investigation Status

The investigation identified no further contributing factors or causal links beyond the loss of control during the takeoff roll. No probable cause was determined.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11421. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.