No fatalities

CESSNA 172 C accident at Elkwood, VA, 15 Aug 2024

Elkwood, VA, United States

On August 15, 2024, a CESSNA 172 C was involved in an aviation accident near Elkwood, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to correctly reinstall the airplane’s left seat, resulting in the movement of the seat during the takeoff roll, and the subsequent loss of control and runway excursion. 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 pilot’s failure to correctly reinstall the airplane’s left seat, resulting in the movement of the seat during the takeoff roll, and the subsequent loss of control and runway excursion.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

PilotIncorrect service/maintenance

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Aug 2024 CESSNA 172 C accident near Elkwood, VA?

The pilot’s failure to correctly reinstall the airplane’s left seat, resulting in the movement of the seat during the takeoff roll, and the subsequent loss of control and runway excursion.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Aug 2024 CESSNA 172 C accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Aug 2024 involved a CESSNA 172 C, at Elkwood, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to correctly reinstall the airplane’s left seat, resulting in the movement of the seat during the takeoff roll, and the subsequent loss of control and runway excursion.