Casualties unknown

1999-09-04: Cessna 172N (N172AN) — Lakeland, FL

Lakeland, FL, US

On September 4, 1999, a Cessna 172N (registration N172AN) was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeland, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilots improper use of brakes on landing rollout resulting in a loss of directional control and subsequent collision with a ditch. Contributing to the accident was the certified flight instructors improper supervision of the student pilot. 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 landing rollout on runway 23, the aircraft veered right despite brake application and left rudder input by both pilot and CFI, exiting the runway and striking a ditch. Brakes were later found functional.

Incident Overview

A student pilot, with a certified flight instructor (CFI) on board, was conducting a landing on runway 23. The student pilot reported that the landing itself was normal. However, during the landing rollout, as the pilot applied the brakes, the aircraft began to veer to the right.

Pilot and CFI Actions

The CFI took control of the flight controls, and both pilots applied left rudder in an attempt to correct the veer. Despite their coordinated efforts, the left rudder input had no effect on the aircraft's direction. The aircraft continued its rightward movement, departing the paved runway surface onto the adjacent grass area.

Runway Excursion and Collision

The aircraft traveled through the grass before colliding with a ditch. The incident resulted in the aircraft becoming damaged. No information was provided regarding injuries to the occupants.

Post-Incident Inspection

After the incident, a functional check of the brake system was performed. The inspection found no deficiencies in the brake operation. No explanation for the veer was identified during this check.

Contributing Factors

The source does not specify any causal or contributing factors. The investigation did not state why the aircraft veered or why the left rudder application was ineffective.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19828. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.