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Dual Student Throttle Conflict Leads to Collision with Airport Fence (N26486)

Atlanta, GA, US

On August 28, 2004, a Cessna 172R (registration N26486) operated by Pdk Flight Academy was involved in an aviation accident near Atlanta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The intentional interuption of the flight controls in flight that resulted in a uncontrolled descent and collision with a fence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 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 takeoff climb, a dual student directed the CFI to take control, but a conflict over throttle use resulted in a collision with the airport fence. No mechanical anomalies were reported.

Incident Description

A training flight ended with a collision with an airport fence following a conflict between the certified flight instructor (CFI) and the dual student over throttle control during a go-around attempt.

Sequence of Events

According to the CFI, during the takeoff climb at approximately 75 feet, the dual student told the CFI to "take the airplane; we've got to go down now." The CFI replied, "ok my airplane," and attempted to add full power to conduct a go-around. However, the dual student's hand remained on the throttle. The CFI told the dual student that he had to conduct a go-around, and the dual student responded, "no we have to get down now."

The CFI instructed the dual student to "let go of the throttle; my airplane; we need full power." The CFI attempted to add full power, but the dual student continued to pull the power back to idle. The CFI yelled at the dual student, "you're going to kill us; let go!" The CFI then applied full elevator back pressure, and the airplane collided with the airport fence.

Findings

No flight control or mechanical anomalies were reported by the CFI or the dual student.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Aug 2004 Cessna 172R accident near Atlanta, GA?

During takeoff climb, a dual student directed the CFI to take control, but a conflict over throttle use resulted in a collision with the airport fence. No mechanical anomalies were reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Aug 2004 involved a Cessna 172R, registration N26486, operated by Pdk Flight Academy, at Atlanta, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The intentional interuption of the flight controls in flight that resulted in a uncontrolled descent and collision with a fence.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041004X01559. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.