Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Loses Directional Control During Takeoff, Collides with Taxiway Sign (N739AM)

New Braunfels, TX, US

On August 18, 2004, a Cessna 172N (registration N739AM) operated by Michael Bartels was involved in an aviation accident near New Braunfels, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. A contributing factor was the high wind condition. 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

During a takeoff attempt on runway 13, a student pilot lost directional control. The airplane veered left, exited the runway, and struck a taxiway sign. Winds were from 140 degrees at 16 knots.

Accident Overview

A student pilot with 11 hours of total flight experience was attempting to take off from runway 13. The runway is 5,364 feet long and 100 feet wide, surfaced with asphalt. During the takeoff roll, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane, causing it to veer to the left side of the runway. Despite efforts, the pilot was unable to correct the deviation.

Sequence of Events

The airplane continued leftward, departing the runway surface, and subsequently collided with a taxiway sign. The accident occurred while the wind was reported from 140 degrees at 16 knots.

Post-Accident Information

No further details about the aircraft, injuries, or damage were provided in the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Aug 2004 Cessna 172N accident near New Braunfels, TX?

During a takeoff attempt on runway 13, a student pilot lost directional control. The airplane veered left, exited the runway, and struck a taxiway sign. Winds were from 140 degrees at 16 knots.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Aug 2004 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N739AM, operated by Michael Bartels, at New Braunfels, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. A contributing factor was the high wind condition.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040824X01272. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.