Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot was performing landings during her first solo flight. After pushing in the throttle for takeoff after a touch and go landing, the airplane began to veer left. The student pilot attempted to correct, but was unable to regain control of the airplane prior to departing the left side of the runway. The airplane's firewall was damaged during the runway excursion.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA411 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 2, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Benton, Arkansas
- Nearest airport
- Saline County Regional Airport (KSUZ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N5238E
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.