Casualties unknown

Student Pilot and Flight Instructor Involved in Runway Edge Collision with Tractor (N94577)

Pottstown, PA, US

On May 6, 2004, a Cessna 152 (registration N94577) was involved in an aviation accident near Pottstown, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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 landing flare, student pilot applied full right rudder to correct left drift; nose turned sharply right, instructor countered with left rudder. Airplane touched down on left pavement edge, left wing struck a tractor mowing grass.

Accident Overview

While practicing landings in the traffic pattern, a student pilot and flight instructor experienced an incident during the landing flare. The student pilot noticed the airplane was slightly left of the centerline and applied full right rudder to correct the alignment. This action caused the nose of the airplane to turn sharply to the right. The flight instructor then applied left rudder in an attempt to straighten the aircraft's direction.

Sequence of Events

Despite the instructor's input, the airplane had already drifted to the left side of the runway. The aircraft touched down on the edge of the pavement. Subsequently, the left wing impacted a tractor that was cutting grass on the side of the runway.

Conclusion

The incident involved a student pilot and flight instructor practicing traffic pattern landings. No further details regarding aircraft type, registration, injuries, or damage have been provided in the source material.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 May 2004 Cessna 152 accident near Pottstown, PA?

During landing flare, student pilot applied full right rudder to correct left drift; nose turned sharply right, instructor countered with left rudder. Airplane touched down on left pavement edge, left wing struck a tractor mowing grass.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 May 2004 involved a Cessna 152, registration N94577, at Pottstown, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040527X00675. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.