Casualties unknown

Takeoff Loss of Control Leads to Runway Excursion and Taxiway Impact (N737WF)

Palo Alto, CA, US

On April 27, 2005, a Cessna 172N (registration N737WF) was involved in an aviation accident near Palo Alto, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student's failure to maintain directional control and the CFI's failure to adequately supervise the flight. 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
Aircraft registered N737WF
Aircraft registered N737WF. Photo: Dawn Endico from Menlo Park, California / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During takeoff roll, the airplane drifted right, then yawed left and abruptly rotated. The CFI could not regain control, resulting in a sideways impact with a parallel taxiway. No mechanical issues were reported.

Incident Overview

A training airplane veered off the runway and impacted a parallel taxiway following a loss of control during takeoff. The flight, conducted with a student pilot at the controls and a certified flight instructor (CFI) present, experienced a sudden and severe deviation from the intended path.

Sequence of Events

The student pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the airplane was initially aligned with the runway centerline. It then began to drift to the right. In an attempt to correct the drift, the student either released some pressure on the right rudder pedal, applied left pedal, or both. According to the CFI, the airplane then "sharply and abruptly" yawed to the left, followed by a "very abrupt rotation." The CFI attempted to regain control, but the airplane impacted "sideways on the parallel taxiway."

Mechanical Status

Both the student and the CFI stated that the airplane and engine experienced no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

Aftermath

The airplane sustained damage from the impact with the taxiway. No information was provided regarding injuries or the extent of damage beyond the collision.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Apr 2005 Cessna 172N accident near Palo Alto, CA?

During takeoff roll, the airplane drifted right, then yawed left and abruptly rotated. The CFI could not regain control, resulting in a sideways impact with a parallel taxiway. No mechanical issues were reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Apr 2005 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N737WF, at Palo Alto, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student's failure to maintain directional control and the CFI's failure to adequately supervise the flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050525X00667. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.