Probable cause
The student pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
According to the student pilot, after finishing several takeoffs and landings with his instructor, he was completing his first series of solo takeoffs and landings. The first takeoff and landing was uneventful. During the second takeoff attempt, after applying full power on the takeoff roll, the airplane started shaking and swerving to the left. The pilot applied full right rudder, but the airplane continued going to the left. The pilot stated that he reduced the power to idle and applied the brakes. The airplane exited the left side of the runway and impacted a construction ditch, which resulted in substantial damage to the engine firewall and left wing. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA158 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 22, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mckinney, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Collin County Regional Airport (KTKI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172S
- N-number
- N348ME
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.