FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Student Pilot Loses Control During Takeoff After Nose Pitches Up Unexpectedly (N53118)

Prairie DU Sac, WI, US

On January 21, 2001, a Cessna 172P (registration N53118) was involved in an aviation accident near Prairie DU Sac, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the improper trim setting and the pilot failed to maintain control of the airplane. A factor was the snowbank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot reported a loss of control during a takeoff roll when the nose pitched up rapidly. Despite applying right rudder, the pilot did not release back pressure and subsequently reduced power, resulting in impact with a snow bank and the airplane nosing over.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was conducting solo practice maneuvers, intending to perform soft-field takeoffs, short-field takeoffs, and normal landings. The pilot reported that it had been over two months since he had last practiced those takeoff procedures.

Takeoff Roll and Loss of Control

During the takeoff roll on a hard surface runway, the pilot stated that the nose shot "... straight up, very fast and very high in front of me. This was totally unexpected to me." As the airplane began to veer to the left, the pilot applied right rudder but did not release the back pressure on the yoke. Recognizing that he did not have the airplane under control, the pilot pulled the throttle to idle.

Impact and Post-Accident Findings

The airplane subsequently impacted a snow bank on the left side of the runway and nosed over. After the accident, the pilot reported that he discovered the airplane had been trimmed nose up.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jan 2001 Cessna 172P accident near Prairie DU Sac, WI?

A student pilot reported a loss of control during a takeoff roll when the nose pitched up rapidly. Despite applying right rudder, the pilot did not release back pressure and subsequently reduced power, resulting in impact with a snow bank and the airplane nosing over.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Jan 2001 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jan 2001 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N53118, at Prairie DU Sac, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the improper trim setting and the pilot failed to maintain control of the airplane. A factor was the snowbank.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010126X00360. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.