No fatalities

Pilot Reports Loss of Control During Takeoff Practice

Orangeburg, SC, United States

On April 3, 2016, a CESSNA 172 N was involved in an aviation accident near Orangeburg, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff, resulting in a runway excursion and a nose over. 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

While practicing takeoffs and landings, a pilot experienced a sharp left turn after applying full power and right rudder before liftoff, leading to a runway excursion and nose-over.

Accident Description

The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings. He reported making a standard approach and landing to runway 35. During the subsequent takeoff, he retracted the flaps to zero degrees and stated that the airplane was under control and over the runway centerline. After applying full power and right rudder before lifting off the ground, the airplane began turning sharply to the left. The pilot added more right rudder, reduced power, and applied full brakes. The airplane departed the runway to the left, entered a swamp, and nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and the firewall. The pilot verified that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Weather Information

The pilot reported that the wind velocity at the accident site was 6 to 7 knots and the wind direction was 330 degrees. The weather reporting facility at the accident site reported that about 3 minutes after the accident time, the wind velocity was 7 knots and the wind direction was 310 degrees.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Apr 2016 CESSNA 172 N accident near Orangeburg, SC?

While practicing takeoffs and landings, a pilot experienced a sharp left turn after applying full power and right rudder before liftoff, leading to a runway excursion and nose-over.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Apr 2016 CESSNA 172 N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Apr 2016 involved a CESSNA 172 N, at Orangeburg, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff, resulting in a runway excursion and a nose over.