Casualties unknown

Student Solo Flight Ends in Rollover During Takeoff (N730SP)

Lakota, ND, US

On November 2, 2003, a Cessna 172S (registration N730SP) was involved in an aviation accident near Lakota, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot not maintaining directional control during takeoff roll on a solo instructional flight. The factor to the accident was the wind gusts. 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 on a solo instructional flight experienced a rollover during takeoff roll after a gust of wind lifted the airplane. The aircraft veered off the runway and sustained substantial damage.

Incident Overview

During a student solo instructional flight, the airplane sustained substantial damage when it rolled over during the takeoff roll. The pilot reported that the airplane accelerated to approximately 45 knots when a gust of wind caused it to become airborne prematurely.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, the airplane then veered off the runway to the right and subsequently rolled over. The pilot was the sole occupant and was on a solo training mission.

Weather Conditions

Wind observations from local reporting stations indicated varying conditions. One station reported wind from 290 degrees at 10 knots, while another reported wind from 280 degrees at 9 knots. The gusty conditions may have influenced the aircraft's behavior during takeoff.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane incurred substantial damage as a result of the rollover. Specific damage items were not detailed in the report.

Investigation Status

No probable cause has been determined at this time. The incident remains under review based on the pilot's account and available weather data.

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Nov 2003 Cessna 172S accident near Lakota, ND?

A student pilot on a solo instructional flight experienced a rollover during takeoff roll after a gust of wind lifted the airplane. The aircraft veered off the runway and sustained substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Nov 2003 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N730SP, at Lakota, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot not maintaining directional control during takeoff roll on a solo instructional flight. The factor to the accident was the wind gusts.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031105X01868. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.