No fatalities

Student Pilot Loses Directional Control During Takeoff

Poplar Grove, IL, United States

On February 12, 2011, a CESSNA 172N operated by POPLAR GROVE AIRMOTIVE INC was involved in an aviation accident near Poplar Grove, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's overcorrection and misuse of the brake and rudder during takeoff, resulting in a loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot lost directional control during a takeoff due to overcorrection and misuse of the brake and rudder. The aircraft left the runway, hit deep snow, and nosed over, causing substantial damage.

Incident Overview and Pilot Report A student pilot reported that he was conducting a takeoff when he lost directional control. The pilot attributed the loss of control to overcorrection and the misuse of the brake and rudder. The pilot stated that no mechanical malfunctions were present with the aircraft during the accident flight. ## Accident Sequence and Damage The aircraft exited the runway and impacted deep snow. The impact caused the aircraft to nose over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing and rudder as a result of the nose-over event. The source does not provide specific details regarding the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or location.

Probable cause

The student pilot's overcorrection and misuse of the brake and rudder during takeoff, resulting in a loss of directional control.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Feb 2011 CESSNA 172N accident near Poplar Grove, IL?

A student pilot lost directional control during a takeoff due to overcorrection and misuse of the brake and rudder. The aircraft left the runway, hit deep snow, and nosed over, causing substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Feb 2011 CESSNA 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Feb 2011 involved a CESSNA 172N, operated by POPLAR GROVE AIRMOTIVE INC, at Poplar Grove, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's overcorrection and misuse of the brake and rudder during takeoff, resulting in a loss of directional control.