No fatalities

1 Jan 2009: CESSNA 172SP — Bob Miller Flight Training, Inc. — Lancaster, NY

Lancaster, NY, United States

On 1 Jan 2009, a CESSNA 172SP operated by Bob Miller Flight Training, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's lack of solo flight experience and the snow bank located off the left side of the runway. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During a student pilot's first solo flight, the airplane veered left on takeoff, contacted a snow bank, and nosed over, substantially damaging the aircraft. No mechanical issues were reported.

Accident Overview

On the student pilot's first solo flight, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control during takeoff, resulting in a runway excursion and subsequent nose-over. The pilot had earlier performed two stop-and-go landings without issues. During the third takeoff, while accelerating, the airplane veered left. The pilot applied right rudder, but the airplane contacted a snow bank to the left of the runway and nosed over, sustaining substantial damage.

Flight Details

The student pilot was conducting his first solo flight. Prior to the incident, two stop-and-go landings were completed uneventfully. On the third takeoff roll, as the airplane accelerated, it began to deviate leftward. The student pilot attempted to correct by applying right rudder. However, the airplane continued left, exited the runway, and struck a snow bank located off the left side. The impact caused the airplane to nose over.

Pilot Statement

The student pilot reported that winds were calm and that the ailerons were in a neutral position during the takeoff. He did not report any mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane. No preexisting faults or system issues were indicated.

Damage

The airplane was substantially damaged as a result of the nose-over. Specific details of the damage were not provided.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedStudent pilot

Other contributing factors

Snowy/icy