CESSNA 172SP
Lancaster, NY — January 1, 2009
Event Information
| Date | January 1, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA09CA119 |
| Event ID | 20090101X22627 |
| Location | Lancaster, NY |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.92194, -78.61278 |
| Airport | Buffalo-Lancaster Regional |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 172SP |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | NBRT |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's lack of solo flight experience and the snow bank located off the left side of the runway.
Full Narrative
The student pilot was conducting his first solo flight and had performed two uneventful stop-and-go landings. As the airplane accelerated during the third takeoff, it began to veer to the left. The student pilot applied right rudder; however, the airplane contacted a snow bank located off the left side of the runway and nosed over, substantially damaging the airplane. The student pilot stated that the winds were calm and the ailerons were in a neutral position during the takeoff. He did not report any mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.