Casualties unknown

Pilot Overcorrection Leads to Runway Departure During Takeoff (N7412G)

Bristol, TN, US

On May 15, 2003, a Cessna 172K (registration N7412G) was involved in an aviation accident near Bristol, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper rudder input during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control and runway departure. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, a pilot applied excessive right rudder and then overcorrected with left rudder after the aircraft veered left at 40 mph. The plane departed the runway into an embankment and nosed over.

What happened

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the airplane accelerated to approximately 40 mph before suddenly veering to the left. In response to this deviation, the pilot applied excessive right rudder input. This initial correction was followed by an overcorrection using left rudder, which resulted in a loss of directional control.

Consequently, the aircraft departed the runway surface to the left side and entered the adjacent grassy area. It subsequently collided with an embankment, causing the airplane to nose over. No further details regarding injuries or specific airport conditions were provided in the source text.

The investigation

A mechanical examination of the airplane was conducted to determine if equipment failure contributed to the incident. The inspection revealed no anomalies within the brake system or the flight control system. This finding suggests that the loss of control was not caused by a malfunctioning aircraft component.

Probable cause

The pilot's improper rudder input during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control and runway departure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 May 2003 Cessna 172K accident near Bristol, TN?

During takeoff, a pilot applied excessive right rudder and then overcorrected with left rudder after the aircraft veered left at 40 mph. The plane departed the runway into an embankment and nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 May 2003 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N7412G, at Bristol, TN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper rudder input during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control and runway departure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030516X00673. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.