Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Hits Taxiway Sign During First Solo Landing Attempt (N856CP)

Winder, GA, US

On August 29, 2006, a Cessna 172R (registration N856CP) operated by The Flight School OF Gwinnett was involved in an aviation accident near Winder, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during an attempted go-around. 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 his first solo flight, a student pilot veered left after touchdown, applied full power with flaps down, and collided with a taxiway sign.

Accident Details

A student pilot conducted his first solo flight after dropping off his flight instructor on the ramp. He taxied to runway 31 for a normal takeoff and then entered the left traffic pattern for a visual approach to the same runway. The student pilot flew the downwind, base, and final legs uneventfully.

Landing and Loss of Control

During the landing flare, the main wheels touched down and the airplane began to veer to the left. In an attempt to regain control, the student pilot added full power. At that time, the wing flaps were still extended to the full down position. The airplane became airborne again but continued to veer left, ultimately colliding with the bravo taxiway sign.

Post-Accident Information

The student pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the aircraft prior to the accident.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Aug 2006 Cessna 172R accident near Winder, GA?

During his first solo flight, a student pilot veered left after touchdown, applied full power with flaps down, and collided with a taxiway sign.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Aug 2006 involved a Cessna 172R, registration N856CP, operated by The Flight School OF Gwinnett, at Winder, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during an attempted go-around.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070823X01230. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.