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Student Pilot Reports Takeoff Veer Leading to Runway Excursion and Tree Impact

Richmond, KY, United States

On May 6, 2016, a CESSNA 172 P operated by Eastern Kentucky University was involved in an aviation accident near Richmond, KY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with tree(s). This summary draws on records from NTSB; 16 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A solo student pilot reported that during takeoff, the airplane veered left, exited the runway, and struck trees, causing substantial fuselage damage. No pre-impact mechanical failures were noted.

Accident Details

During the takeoff roll, the airplane began to veer to the left. The solo student pilot attempted to correct the veer but was unsuccessful. The airplane subsequently exited the runway to the left and impacted trees, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.

Pilot Report

The student pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot was the sole occupant at the time of the incident.

Damage

The fuselage sustained substantial damage as a result of the impact with trees. No other damage details were specified.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedStudent/instructed pilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Related events

Same aircraft family

  • 24 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172B
  • 23 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
  • 18 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
  • 16 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172M (CK Aviation LLC)
  • 9 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
  • 8 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172N
  • 7 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Tin Cup Investments INC)
  • 24 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172M
  • 21 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172P (Vascular Wings LLC)
  • 18 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Ocala Aviation Services INC)
  • 16 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Foothill Aircraft Sales and Service Inc.)
  • 9 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Kimber 123 Holdings LLC)

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 May 2016 CESSNA 172 P accident near Richmond, KY?

A solo student pilot reported that during takeoff, the airplane veered left, exited the runway, and struck trees, causing substantial fuselage damage. No pre-impact mechanical failures were noted.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 May 2016 CESSNA 172 P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 May 2016 involved a CESSNA 172 P, operated by Eastern Kentucky University, at Richmond, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with tree(s).

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