Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that the flight began as a dual instruction flight with his flight instructor. They performed 6 or 7 landings, which included simulated engine failures. The instructor then exited the airplane, and the student pilot performed two more takeoffs and landings to a full stop without incident. On the third solo takeoff, the left wing dipped and contacted the ground. The airplane then began to skid left, then off the runway to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. The student pilot listed no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA356 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 11, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Greenwood Municipal Airport (HFY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Evektor-Aerotechnik As SPORTSTAR
- N-number
- N902LA
- 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.