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Student Pilot Distracted, Airplane Damaged After Runway Excursion (N77LU)

Brookings, SD, US

On October 29, 2007, a Cessna 172R (registration N77LU) operated by South Dakota State University was involved in an aviation accident near Brookings, SD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's lack of solo flight experience and the runway sign. 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

A student pilot practicing solo touch-and-go landings drifted off the runway after touchdown, striking a runway sign. The pilot reported distraction by another aircraft and failure to reposition flaps for takeoff. The airplane sustained substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was conducting solo touch-and-go landing practice when the accident occurred. After an uneventful touchdown, the pilot applied engine power for takeoff. The airplane then drifted off the left side of the runway, impacting a runway sign.

Pilot Report

The student pilot reported being distracted by another airplane after touchdown. As a result, he failed to reposition the flaps for takeoff. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Damage Assessment

The airplane received substantial damage to the fuselage primary structure and the right horizontal stabilizer.

Pilot Experience

The student pilot had accumulated 40 hours of total flight time, of which 8 hours were during solo flight.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Oct 2007 Cessna 172R accident near Brookings, SD?

A student pilot practicing solo touch-and-go landings drifted off the runway after touchdown, striking a runway sign. The pilot reported distraction by another aircraft and failure to reposition flaps for takeoff. The airplane sustained substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Oct 2007 Cessna 172R accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Oct 2007 involved a Cessna 172R, registration N77LU, operated by South Dakota State University, at Brookings, SD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's lack of solo flight experience and the runway sign.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20080103X00014. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.