On August 11, 1999, a Cessna 172P (registration N65742) operated by John Zwick was involved in an aviation accident near Montgomery, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control during the touchdown and landing roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot on his first solo flight lost directional control after touchdown, pivoting right. After recovering, he turned to avoid a runway sign, but the sign struck the left horizontal stabilizer, damaging the empennage.
Incident Details
A student pilot was conducting his first solo flight when, during the landing, he reported that he touched down on the right main wheel first. This caused the airplane to pivot rapidly to the right. After he regained directional control, the aircraft was pointed toward a runway sign. The pilot then elected to turn further right to avoid the sign. However, the runway sign struck the left horizontal stabilizer, and the rear empennage also sustained damage.
Pilot and Conditions
The student pilot had a total flight experience of 21.4 hours. He was the first student pilot that the flight instructor had soloed. The winds at the time of the incident were calm.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft incurred damage to the left horizontal stabilizer and the rear empennage as a result of contact with the runway sign.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 11 Aug 1999 Cessna 172P accident near Montgomery, NY?
A student pilot on his first solo flight lost directional control after touchdown, pivoting right. After recovering, he turned to avoid a runway sign, but the sign struck the left horizontal stabilizer, damaging the empennage.
Were there any fatalities in the 11 Aug 1999 Cessna 172P accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Aug 1999 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N65742, operated by John Zwick, at Montgomery, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control during the touchdown and landing roll.
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