On 10 Oct 2013, a CESSNA 172R R operated by United Flight Systems was involved in an aviation accident near Tomball, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot delay in aborting the takeoff which resulted in the airplane going off the end of the runway and impacting trees. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 16 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A solo student pilot attempted a touch-and-go landing but touched down too far down the runway. After aborting the takeoff, the airplane departed the runway and impacted trees.
Accident Details
A solo student pilot was performing a touch-and-go landing. The pilot touched down too far down the runway. After touchdown, the pilot trimmed the airplane, raised the flaps, and advanced the throttle for takeoff. Becoming unsure of the remaining runway distance, the pilot reduced the throttle to idle and applied the brakes to abort the takeoff. The brakes locked up several times while the pilot kept the airplane on the runway centerline. Realizing the airplane was not slowing sufficiently, the pilot lowered the flaps to 30 degrees and pushed forward on the control yoke to add drag and decrease lift. The airplane slowed but not enough to prevent it from departing the end of the runway and impacting trees. The student pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane prior to the accident.