Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's lack of solo flight experience and the snow bank located off the left side of the runway.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot was conducting his first solo flight and had performed two uneventful stop-and-go landings. As the airplane accelerated during the third takeoff, it began to veer to the left. The student pilot applied right rudder; however, the airplane contacted a snow bank located off the left side of the runway and nosed over, substantially damaging the airplane. The student pilot stated that the winds were calm and the ailerons were in a neutral position during the takeoff. He did not report any mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09CA119 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 1, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lancaster, New York
- Nearest airport
- Buffalo-Lancaster Regional (BQR)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night, bright
Cessna 172SP
- N-number
- N2228L
- 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.