No fatalities

Touch-and-go abort results in runway excursion (N738EJ)

Chesterfield, MO, US

On February 5, 2000, a Cessna 172 (registration N738EJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Chesterfield, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain directional control during the takeoff portion of a touch and go landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot aborted takeoff after an instantaneous left veer during a touch-and-go maneuver, resulting in substantial aircraft damage and a stop in the grass beyond the taxiway.

What happened

The incident occurred during a training or practice flight involving a touch-and-go landing. After the aircraft touched down on the runway, the pilot initiated the procedures for a go-around to apply takeoff power. As the throttle was advanced, the pilot reported an immediate and unexpected handling anomaly.

According to the pilot's account, she had just completed the landing phase and was preparing for the subsequent takeoff roll. She described experiencing an instantaneous thought that the aircraft felt unusual. Immediately following this realization, the airplane began to veer rapidly to the left side. The pilot attempted to abort the takeoff but was unable to maintain directional control on the paved surface.

The aircraft departed the left edge of the runway and crossed a taxiway before coming to a final stop in the adjacent grassy area. Upon inspection, the airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of this excursion.

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Feb 2000 Cessna 172 accident near Chesterfield, MO?

A pilot aborted takeoff after an instantaneous left veer during a touch-and-go maneuver, resulting in substantial aircraft damage and a stop in the grass beyond the taxiway.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Feb 2000 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Feb 2000 involved a Cessna 172, registration N738EJ, at Chesterfield, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to maintain directional control during the takeoff portion of a touch and go landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20455. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.