Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported he was performing a takeoff when he lost directional control due to over correction and misuse of the brake/rudder. The airplane exited the runway, impacted deep snow, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial wing and rudder damage. The student pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA184 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 12, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Poplar Grove, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Poplar Grove Airport (C77)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N733TM
- 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.