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Student Pilot Unable to Maintain Directional Control During Landing (N142ME)

Springdale, AR, US

On January 8, 2003, a Cessna 172S (registration N142ME) operated by Aviation Enterprises Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Springdale, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot was not able to maintain directional control while landing on Runway 18. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A 40-hour student pilot lost directional control while landing on Runway 18, veering off the runway, crossing a taxiway, striking a culvert, and coming to rest against a concrete ditch. Winds were from 240 degrees at 9 knots.

Accident Details

A student pilot with 40 hours of flight experience was unable to maintain directional control during a landing on Runway 18. The aircraft departed the left side of the runway, entered the grass, crossed a parallel taxiway, struck a culvert, and came to rest against a concrete ditch.

Pilot Report

The student pilot reported the landing technique: "I had my wind correction in with the right wing dipped and the left rudder pushed. When I landed, I touched the right wheel down and then the left wheel. As soon as I touched the left wheel down, I [applied the brake] and ran off the left side of the runway."

Wind Conditions

At the time of the accident, the reported wind at the airport was from 240 degrees at 9 knots.

Sequence of Events

After touchdown, the aircraft veered left off the runway surface into the grass. It continued across a parallel taxiway, struck a culvert, and finally came to rest against a concrete ditch.

Probable cause

The student pilot was not able to maintain directional control while landing on Runway 18.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jan 2003 Cessna 172S accident near Springdale, AR?

A 40-hour student pilot lost directional control while landing on Runway 18, veering off the runway, crossing a taxiway, striking a culvert, and coming to rest against a concrete ditch. Winds were from 240 degrees at 9 knots.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Jan 2003 Cessna 172S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jan 2003 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N142ME, operated by Aviation Enterprises Inc., at Springdale, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot was not able to maintain directional control while landing on Runway 18.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030210X00192. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.