No fatalities

Solo Student Pilot Runway Departure and Subsequent Airframe Damage

Pine River, MN, United States

On July 13, 2009, a CESSNA 172K operated by AIR D INC was involved in an aviation accident near Pine River, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot executing a solo full-stop landing on runway 34 veered off the west side into a drainage ditch, causing the aircraft to flip. The plane sustained substantial damage, including a bent wing spar, while the pilot remained uninjured.

Incident Overview

During a solo flight, a student pilot was attempting to execute a full-stop landing on runway 34. The operational environment consisted of an asphalt surface measuring 3,000 feet in length and 75 feet in width.

Sequence of Events

Upon initial touchdown, the aircraft failed to maintain its intended centerline trajectory. Instead of stabilizing within the paved area, the airplane veered toward the west side of the runway. The airframe subsequently left the designated landing surface and entered a drainage ditch located adjacent to the pavement.

Outcome and Damage Assessment

The impact with the ditch caused the aircraft to flip over. Post-incident inspection revealed substantial structural damage to the airframe. Specific mechanical failures included wrinkling of the right wing and a bent wing spar. Despite the severity of the airframe damage, the pilot sustained no injuries during the event.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jul 2009 CESSNA 172K accident near Pine River, MN?

A student pilot executing a solo full-stop landing on runway 34 veered off the west side into a drainage ditch, causing the aircraft to flip. The plane sustained substantial damage, including a bent wing spar, while the pilot remained uninjured.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Jul 2009 CESSNA 172K accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jul 2009 involved a CESSNA 172K, operated by AIR D INC, at Pine River, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.