No fatalities

Cessna 172 Exits Runway After Student Fails to Release Rudder, Hits Taxiing Aircraft (N5144H)

Daytona Beach, FL, United States

On May 7, 2015, a CESSNA 172S S (registration N5144H) operated by Phoenix East Aviation LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Daytona Beach, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The landing airplane pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and ground collision with a taxiing airplane. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 14 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A landing Cessna 172, with a flight instructor and student pilot, exited the runway after the student did not release right rudder pressure. The airplane struck a taxiway sign and a taxiing aircraft, resulting in substantial damage. No mechanical issues were reported.

Accident Overview

On an unspecified date, a Cessna 172 (registration N5144H) was landing with a flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot on board. The CFI reported that the landing was not stabilized and announced "my controls" while assuming control of the airplane. However, the student did not release the right rudder pressure, causing the airplane to exit the right side of the paved portion of the runway.

Sequence of Events

After departing the runway, the landing airplane impacted a taxiway sign and subsequently struck an airplane that was taxiing on an adjacent taxiway. Both aircraft sustained substantial damage: the landing airplane suffered damage to the nose and left wing, while the taxiing airplane incurred substantial damage to the right wing spar.

Pilot and Mechanical Reports

Neither the pilot of the landing airplane nor the pilot of the taxiing airplane reported any mechanical malfunctions or failures with their respective aircraft prior to the accident that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause

No probable cause was stated in the source.

Contributing factors

Causes

Instructor/check pilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot of other aircraft

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 May 2015 CESSNA 172S S accident near Daytona Beach, FL?

A landing Cessna 172, with a flight instructor and student pilot, exited the runway after the student did not release right rudder pressure. The airplane struck a taxiway sign and a taxiing aircraft, resulting in substantial damage. No mechanical issues were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 May 2015 CESSNA 172S S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 May 2015 involved a CESSNA 172S S, registration N5144H, operated by Phoenix East Aviation LLC, at Daytona Beach, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The landing airplane pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and ground collision with a taxiing airplane.