No fatalities

Student Pilot Overcorrects During Takeoff, Noses Over in Field

Waupaca, WI, United States

On March 15, 2010, a CESSNA 172M operated by RIVERSIDE AVIATION INC was involved in an aviation accident near Waupaca, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taking off in gusting winds. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot reported that during takeoff, after rotation at about 60 knots, a wind gust caused the left wing to rise abruptly. Overcorrection with left aileron led to the airplane re-contacting the runway, then exiting the runway and nosing over in a plowed field. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.

Incident Details

A student pilot was conducting a takeoff when the incident occurred. According to the pilot's report, the airplane was rotated at approximately 60 knots to a nose-up attitude. During the initial climb, a wind gust caused the left wing to rise abruptly.

Pilot Report

The student pilot stated that in response to the wing rise, he overcorrected with left aileron input. This action caused the airplane to settle back onto the runway. The airplane then headed toward the edge of the runway. The pilot reported reducing the throttle, but the airplane subsequently exited the runway, continued through the safety area, and nosed over in a plowed field. The pilot noted that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane during the accident flight.

Outcome

The airplane came to rest inverted in the plowed field. No further details were provided regarding the extent of damage or pilot condition. The investigation did not identify any mechanical issues as a factor in the sequence of events.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Response/compensation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Mar 2010 CESSNA 172M accident near Waupaca, WI?

A student pilot reported that during takeoff, after rotation at about 60 knots, a wind gust caused the left wing to rise abruptly. Overcorrection with left aileron led to the airplane re-contacting the runway, then exiting the runway and nosing over in a plowed field. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Mar 2010 CESSNA 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Mar 2010 involved a CESSNA 172M, operated by RIVERSIDE AVIATION INC, at Waupaca, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taking off in gusting winds.