Cessna 172 N1591V accident near Wichita, Kansas

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff that resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot was planning to perform three takeoffs and three landings for his first solo flight. After completing the second landing, the student pilot applied full power for the takeoff. When the student pilot began to manipulate the flight controls for the takeoff, the airplane “abruptly pulled hard” toward the left. The student pilot then retarded the throttle and applied the brakes, and the airplane departed the runway to the left. The left main landing gear impacted a runway sign, and the landing gear collapsed. The airplane came to rest upright on a grass field near the runway. The student pilot was able to egress from the airplane without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer. The student pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA230 for the full record.