On April 7, 2005, a Cessna 172R (registration N985BT) was involved in an aviation accident near Kalamazoo, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a high-speed runway exit, which resulted in a taxiway excursion and terrain impact. 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.
A student pilot on her first solo flight lost control after exiting the runway at high speed during a taxiway excursion, resulting in the aircraft impacting terrain.
What happened
The aircraft was involved in an incident during a student solo flight operation. The event occurred immediately following a landing maneuver. According to the pilot's account, this specific sortie marked her first solo flight experience.
During the initial landing phase, the pilot exited the active runway at excessive speeds. She reported that the high-speed exit caused the aircraft to nearly flip over. In an attempt to correct the trajectory and maintain control, she applied corrective inputs. However, these efforts were unsuccessful. The loss of control resulted in the airplane departing the designated taxiway path and impacting terrain.
The investigation
Investigation into the incident relied primarily on the pilot's statement regarding the sequence of events. No mechanical failures or external factors were cited as contributing elements to the loss of control during the taxi phase.
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a high-speed runway exit, which resulted in a taxiway excursion and terrain impact.
What happened in the 7 Apr 2005 Cessna 172R accident near Kalamazoo, MI?
A student pilot on her first solo flight lost control after exiting the runway at high speed during a taxiway excursion, resulting in the aircraft impacting terrain.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Apr 2005 involved a Cessna 172R, registration N985BT, at Kalamazoo, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a high-speed runway exit, which resulted in a taxiway excursion and terrain impact.
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