Accident Details
On February 7, 2013, at approximately 1200 central standard time, a Cessna 172L airplane, registration N7974G, departed the side of the runway while landing at McCurtain Country Regional Airport (4O4) in Idabel, Oklahoma. The solo student pilot was uninjured, but the airplane sustained substantial damage. The aircraft was registered to Arrow Aviation LLC and operated by the Texarkana Flying Club under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight operated without a flight plan. The trip originated from Texarkana Regional Airport (KTXK) in Texarkana, Arkansas, at about 1115, with the destination being 4O4.
Pilot Account
According to a statement provided by the pilot, while landing on runway 20, the airplane began veering to the left as soon as the nose landing gear contacted the runway. The pilot attempted to correct by applying full right rudder but was unable to regain control. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and rolled into a grass field, where the nose gear struck a drainage ditch and sheared off. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Aircraft Information
The Cessna 172L was substantially damaged, with notable damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The prevailing wind at the time was from 180 degrees at 7 knots.
Examination
Responding Federal Aviation Administration inspectors examined the wreckage and did not detect any preimpact malfunctions or failures of the engine or airframe.