Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA19CA440

Denver, CO, USA

Aircraft #1

N403FR

Cessna 172

Analysis

During a private pilot checkride, the student pilot was asked to perform a soft-field takeoff. The student reported that, during the takeoff, he applied back pressure and anticipated that the airplane would become airborne. He added that he never felt the airplane "come up," so he applied more back pressure. He reported that the airplane then "popped up," banked left, and struck the runway. The airplane exited the runway to the left into grass, and the nose and right landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount. The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

During a private pilot check ride the student was asked to make a soft field takeoff. The student pilot reported that, during a soft field takeoff, he applied back pressure and anticipated that the airplane would become airborne. He never felt the airplane "come up" and he applied more back pressure. The airplane "popped up," banked to the left, and struck the runway. The airplane exited the runway to the left into the grass and the nose and right landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot's failure to maintain lateral control during a soft-field takeoff, which resulted in the left wing striking the runway and a runway excursion.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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