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Casualties unknown

Steep Bank During Initial Climb Leads to Crash (N212YA)

Lake-in-hills, IL, US

On September 3, 2007, a Yakovlev YAK 52 (registration N212YA) operated by Steve M. Hildebrand was involved in an aviation accident near Lake-in-hills, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control during initial climb, evidenced by the steep left bank and descent into terrain, with no evidence of mechanical failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft entered a steep left bank and descended into soft terrain during initial climb after takeoff while conducting a biennial flight review for a private pilot.

What happened

The flight was conducted for the purpose of providing a biennial flight review to a private pilot, whose previous review had expired. The airplane was operated by an ATP/CFI acting as the instructor. During the initial climb phase after takeoff, the aircraft entered a steep left bank and subsequently descended to impact soft terrain.

The investigation

A post-accident inspection of the airplane and its engine was conducted. The examination failed to reveal any failure or malfunction that would have resulted in the accident. No mechanical issues were identified as contributing factors during this physical inspection.

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control during initial climb, evidenced by the steep left bank and descent into terrain, with no evidence of mechanical failure.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070910X01344. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.