No fatalities

Airplane Veers Off Runway During Touch-and-Go Takeoff Roll (N79301)

Holland, MI, US

On March 20, 2001, a Cessna 172K (registration N79301) was involved in an aviation accident near Holland, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors included the soft ground and the runway lights. 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

During a touch-and-go takeoff on Runway 08, an airplane veered off the runway after full throttle was applied, hitting taxiway marking lights and coming to rest on soft ground.

Incident Overview

An airplane experienced a loss of directional control during the takeoff roll of a touch-and-go maneuver on Runway 08, resulting in a runway excursion. The pilot reported that the airplane veered right and then left immediately after full throttle was applied.

Pilot Account

According to the pilot, "I lost control of the plane while still on the runway. First, the plane went to the right and then to the left. Power was pulled off and the plane went off the runway into the soft ground and mud next to the runway. I tried steering to the right, but the airplane started sliding sideways. When the plane straightened out it hit a taxiway marking light. The plane then went across the taxiway hitting a marking light on the other side of the runway. While braking on the soft ground, the airplane went up on its nose and right wing. The plane came to a stop and righted itself back down on its landing gear."

Meteorological Conditions

The pilot reported that at the time of the incident, the wind was from 110 degrees at 8 knots. No other weather information was provided.

Outcome

The airplane departed the paved surface, struck two taxiway marking lights, and came to a stop on soft ground. The aircraft remained upright on its landing gear after the event. No information regarding injuries or damage to the aircraft beyond the described sequence was reported.

Investigation

No probable cause has been determined at this time.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Mar 2001 Cessna 172K accident near Holland, MI?

During a touch-and-go takeoff on Runway 08, an airplane veered off the runway after full throttle was applied, hitting taxiway marking lights and coming to rest on soft ground.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Mar 2001 Cessna 172K accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Mar 2001 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N79301, at Holland, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors included the soft ground and the runway lights.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010323X00637. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.