Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a runway sign.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported he was making his third landing when the airplane bounced, exited the runway, and collided with a runway sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left horizontal stabilizer. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA235 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 22, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mcallen, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Mc Allen Miller Intl (MFE)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N999MA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2004
- 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.