Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Reports Wake Turbulence After Takeoff Roll Leads to Nose-Over (N534SP)

Lancaster, CA, US

On January 10, 2007, a Cessna 172S (registration N534SP) was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The reason for the loss of directional control was undetermined. 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

A student pilot reported wake turbulence during takeoff roll, lost directional control, and the airplane nosed over after striking a berm. A larger jet had landed two minutes earlier.

Accident Sequence

A student pilot, on an otherwise unspecified training flight, landed and stopped on the runway before initiating a takeoff roll. During the takeoff roll, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot attempted to realign the airplane on the centerline by applying right rudder and right brake. In response, the airplane veered sharply to the left in a skidding motion. The airplane then impacted a berm off the runway surface and nosed over.

Pilot Report

The student pilot stated that wake turbulence was encountered during the takeoff roll. According to the pilot, a larger twin-engine jet aircraft had landed long approximately two minutes prior to the accident. The student pilot had landed after that jet, stopped, and then commenced the takeoff.

Post-Accident Findings

Following the accident, an FAA accident coordinator examined the airplane and reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical anomalies. Winds were calm at the time of the accident. No further details about the aircraft, location, or individuals involved were provided in the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jan 2007 Cessna 172S accident near Lancaster, CA?

A student pilot reported wake turbulence during takeoff roll, lost directional control, and the airplane nosed over after striking a berm. A larger jet had landed two minutes earlier.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jan 2007 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N534SP, at Lancaster, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The reason for the loss of directional control was undetermined.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070212X00171. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.