FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Student Pilot's Use of Brakes Leads to Runway Excursion After Tire Burst (N9973H)

Everglades City, FL, US

On January 26, 2003, a Cessna 182R (registration N9973H) operated by Dean International Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Everglades City, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: student pilot's improper use of the brakes at the landing touchdown which caused the left main landing gear tire to burst, resulting in the student and certified flight instructor pilots not being able to maintain control of the airplane, and the subsequent… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 6 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

During a touch and go landing, the left main landing gear tire burst, causing the airplane to veer left and depart the runway into grass. The CFI reported the student pilot had feet on the brakes upon touchdown.

Accident Details

During a touch-and-go landing maneuver, with the student pilot at the controls, the left main landing gear tire burst. The airplane subsequently veered to the left, departed the runway surface, and entered into grass before coming to rest in bushes.

Pilot Statements

The certified flight instructor (CFI) stated, "...we tried to turn to the right, but lost control of the aircraft and it went into the bushes." Additionally, the CFI noted that the student pilot used "brakes" on landing instead of "rudder only," and that the student's feet were on the brakes when the airplane touched down.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Jan 2003 Cessna 182R accident near Everglades City, FL?

During a touch and go landing, the left main landing gear tire burst, causing the airplane to veer left and depart the runway into grass. The CFI reported the student pilot had feet on the brakes upon touchdown.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Jan 2003 Cessna 182R accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Jan 2003 involved a Cessna 182R, registration N9973H, operated by Dean International Inc., at Everglades City, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

student pilot's improper use of the brakes at the landing touchdown which caused the left main landing gear tire to burst, resulting in the student and certified flight instructor pilots not being able to maintain control of the airplane, and the subsequent impact with bushes.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030207X00177. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.