On January 31, 2020, a Cessna 172 N operated by Crystal Aero Group was involved in an aviation accident near Crystal River, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent nose-over. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a second solo flight, a student pilot experienced reduced rudder pedal resistance during preflight, then lost directional control on takeoff, veering left and nosing over. Substantial damage to wings and tail occurred.
Incident Overview
A student pilot conducting their second solo flight reported that during the preflight inspection, "the rudder pedals felt as if they had less resistance than normal." While performing the second takeoff of the flight, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot applied right rudder input but was unable to regain directional control. The airplane subsequently exited the runway to the left, onto adjacent grass, and nosed over.
Damage Assessment
The accident resulted in substantial damage to both wings, the left wing lift strut, and the vertical stabilizer.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane after the accident. The inspection confirmed flight control continuity and reported no anomalies with the flight controls or brakes.
Contributing factors
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedStudent/instructed pilot
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)
What happened in the 31 Jan 2020 Cessna 172 N accident near Crystal River, FL?
During a second solo flight, a student pilot experienced reduced rudder pedal resistance during preflight, then lost directional control on takeoff, veering left and nosing over. Substantial damage to wings and tail occurred.
Were there any fatalities in the 31 Jan 2020 Cessna 172 N accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Jan 2020 involved a Cessna 172 N, operated by Crystal Aero Group, at Crystal River, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent nose-over.
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