No fatalities

CESSNA 172M accident at Lancaster, NY, 14 May 2022

Lancaster, NY, United States

On May 14, 2022, a CESSNA 172M operated by LITTLE BIRD AIRWAYS LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot’s excessive pitch during takeoff resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain. Contributing was the student’s failure to relinquish the controls when ordered by the instructor. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The student pilot’s excessive pitch during takeoff resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain. Contributing was the student’s failure to relinquish the controls when ordered by the instructor.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

Incorrect use/operationStudent/instructed pilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 May 2022 CESSNA 172M accident near Lancaster, NY?

The student pilot’s excessive pitch during takeoff resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain. Contributing was the student’s failure to relinquish the controls when ordered by the instructor.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 May 2022 CESSNA 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 May 2022 involved a CESSNA 172M, operated by LITTLE BIRD AIRWAYS LLC, at Lancaster, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot’s excessive pitch during takeoff resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain. Contributing was the student’s failure to relinquish the controls when ordered by the instructor.