Aircraft Excursion and Ground Collision During Takeoff Training

Casualties unknown • Schaumburg, IL, US

A training aircraft veered off the runway during takeoff, crossing a ditch and striking multiple parked aircraft on an airport ramp.

What happened

During a takeoff attempt, the student pilot applied the left brake while simultaneously increasing power. This caused the Cessna (type not specified in source) to veer toward the left side of the runway. In response to instructions from the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) to maintain the centerline, the student released the brake and applied full power.

The aircraft subsequently exited the runway, bounced over a ditch, and entered the ramp area. Although the CFI reduced engine power to idle and applied the brakes, the aircraft could not be stopped before colliding with parked aircraft. The instructor reported that because the student had both feet positioned on the rudder pedals, she was unable to maneuver the aircraft to avoid the obstacles. The excursion resulted in the aircraft contacting two parked airplanes; one of these collisions pushed a third airplane into another.

There were no injuries reported in the incident.

Probable cause

The student pilot's decision to apply full power while simultaneously releasing the left brake, combined with the inability to maneuver the aircraft due to the student's foot placement on the rudder pedals.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-08-08 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Schaumburg, IL?

A training aircraft veered off the runway during takeoff, crossing a ditch and striking multiple parked aircraft on an airport ramp.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-08-08 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N2366W, operated by Northwest Flyers, Inc., at Schaumburg, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's decision to apply full power while simultaneously releasing the left brake, combined with the inability to maneuver the aircraft due to the student's foot placement on the rudder pedals.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19435. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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