Casualties unknown

2002-10-24: Cessna 172N (N4599D) — Century Air — Morristown, NJ

Morristown, NJ, US

On October 24, 2002, a Cessna 172N (registration N4599D) operated by Century Air was involved in an aviation accident near Morristown, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 11 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

A student pilot veered right off the runway during a touch-and-go maneuver and struck trees. No mechanical issues were found.

What happened

The incident occurred while a student pilot was conducting a solo flight operation involving a touch-and-go maneuver. During the second attempt at this maneuver, the aircraft touched down on the runway. Immediately following touchdown, the pilot applied power to initiate the takeoff roll.

As the airplane accelerated, it began to deviate from the centerline, veering toward the right side of the paved surface. The aircraft completely departed the runway environment on the right side. It continued its trajectory over adjacent grassy terrain and crossed an intersecting runway before colliding with a group of trees.

The investigation

Post-accident examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine the condition of the aircraft prior to impact. The inspection did not reveal any pre-existing mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have contributed to the accident. Additionally, the student pilot reported no issues with the aircraft's systems or controls during the flight.

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent collision with trees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021101X05418. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.