On August 30, 2007, a Cessna C172R (registration N2459Y) operated by New Horizon Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Pawtucket, RI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's application of too much right rudder followed by too much left rudder, which steered the airplane off the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot reported excessive rudder inputs during a touch-and-go takeoff on runway 23, causing the airplane to veer off the runway onto grass. The right main landing gear struck a taxi light, damaging the gear fairing and firewall.
Event Description
During a touch-and-go landing and subsequent takeoff on runway 23, a student pilot reported applying full power. In the process, the pilot applied excessive right rudder, then overcorrected with excessive left rudder. This caused the airplane to steer off the runway and onto the adjacent grass. The pilot then reduced power and applied brakes to stop the airplane.
Damage
An FAA Inspector examined the airplane and noted damage consisting of the right main landing gear fairing and the firewall. The damage occurred when the right main landing gear strut struck a taxi light at low speed before the airplane came to a full stop.
Probable cause
The student pilot's application of too much right rudder followed by too much left rudder, which steered the airplane off the runway.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 30 Aug 2007 Cessna C172R accident near Pawtucket, RI?
A student pilot reported excessive rudder inputs during a touch-and-go takeoff on runway 23, causing the airplane to veer off the runway onto grass. The right main landing gear struck a taxi light, damaging the gear fairing and firewall.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Aug 2007 involved a Cessna C172R, registration N2459Y, operated by New Horizon Aviation, at Pawtucket, RI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's application of too much right rudder followed by too much left rudder, which steered the airplane off the runway.
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