No fatalities

Student Pilot Runway Departure During Takeoff

Kissimmee, FL, United States

On July 30, 2016, a CESSNA 172 S operated by SUNSTATE AVIATION FLIGHT SCHOOL was involved in an aviation accident near Kissimmee, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A solo student pilot reported that the airplane veered left during takeoff and struck a wind sock, causing substantial damage to the left wing. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions were reported.

Incident Overview and Damage Assessment A solo student pilot reported that the airplane veered off the runway to the left during takeoff and impacted a wind sock. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. ## Mechanical Condition The student pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The source does not provide the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, or a determined cause of the accident. ## Investigation Notes The available information is limited to the pilot's report of the runway departure, the resulting wind sock impact, and the extent of the left-wing damage. No additional factual details are stated in the source.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedStudent/instructed pilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Jul 2016 CESSNA 172 S accident near Kissimmee, FL?

A solo student pilot reported that the airplane veered left during takeoff and struck a wind sock, causing substantial damage to the left wing. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Jul 2016 CESSNA 172 S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Jul 2016 involved a CESSNA 172 S, operated by SUNSTATE AVIATION FLIGHT SCHOOL, at Kissimmee, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.