No fatalities

Student Solo Flight Ends in Runway Excursion and Nose-Over (N35307)

St. Paul, MN, US

On March 5, 2003, a Cessna 172R (registration N35307) was involved in an aviation accident near St. Paul, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of directional control by the solo student pilot. A factor to the accident was the excessive speed during landing. 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 student pilot lost directional control during landing, causing the airplane to depart the runway and nose over. The pilot's report cited possible fast approach and flat landing. Post-accident exam found no preexisting mechanical defects.

Incident Overview

A student pilot flying solo experienced a loss of directional control during landing, resulting in the airplane departing the runway and nosing over. The incident occurred during a training flight, and the airplane sustained damage.

Pilot Report

According to a report submitted by the airplane operator and signed by the pilot, the student lost directional control upon landing and veered off the right side of the runway. The report also noted that the "airplane may have been fast on approach, and subsequently landed flat and fast."

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no preexisting mechanical defects that could have contributed to the incident.

Pilot Experience

The student pilot had accumulated a total of 37.5 hours of flight experience at the time of the incident.

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Mar 2003 Cessna 172R accident near St. Paul, MN?

A student pilot lost directional control during landing, causing the airplane to depart the runway and nose over. The pilot's report cited possible fast approach and flat landing. Post-accident exam found no preexisting mechanical defects.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Mar 2003 Cessna 172R accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Mar 2003 involved a Cessna 172R, registration N35307, at St. Paul, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of directional control by the solo student pilot. A factor to the accident was the excessive speed during landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030314X00338. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.