30 Dec 2018: Cessna 172 R — Air Fleet Training Systems Inc.

30 Dec 2018: Cessna 172 R — Air Fleet Training Systems Inc.

No fatalities • Caldwell, NJ, United States

Probable cause

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

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The chief pilot of the flight school reported that, after the student pilot had performed two landings with the flight instructor, the flight instructor exited the airplane, and the student performed a solo flight around the pattern. After the full stop landing, the student added full power for another takeoff, but the airplane veered left. The student added rudder inputs to correct, but the airplane exited the runway, struck a berm, and the nose landing gear collapsed.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The chief pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Student/instructed pilot
  • Contributed to outcome

Conditions

Weather
VMC, vis 10sm

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