On March 1, 2017, a CESSNA 172S S was involved in an aviation accident near St Petersburg, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot’s overcompensation of right rudder pedal application during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control and impact with runway signage and a fence. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During solo traffic pattern practice, a student pilot experienced a runway excursion after overcorrecting rudder input, striking signage and a fence. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left wing, landing gear attachments, horizontal stabilizer, and elevator.
Incident Summary
A student pilot conducting solo flight operations reported that during the landing roll of a full stop landing, he retracted the flaps to zero and applied full power. The airplane then pulled to the left. In response, the pilot overcompensated with right rudder pedal application. He then immediately attempted to reverse this by applying left rudder too quickly, causing a fishtailing effect. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway and collided with runway signage and a fence.
Damage Assessment
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing, the landing gear attachment points, the horizontal stabilizer, and the elevator.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Mar 2017 CESSNA 172S S accident near St Petersburg, FL?
During solo traffic pattern practice, a student pilot experienced a runway excursion after overcorrecting rudder input, striking signage and a fence. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left wing, landing gear attachments, horizontal stabilizer, and elevator.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Mar 2017 CESSNA 172S S accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Mar 2017 involved a CESSNA 172S S, at St Petersburg, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot’s overcompensation of right rudder pedal application during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control and impact with runway signage and a fence.