Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a collision with an obstacle.
NTSB analysis
According to the student pilot, during the takeoff roll the airplane began to veer to the left after approximately 225 feet. The student pilot applied right rudder and reduced power in an attempt to regain control of the airplane. The airplane continued off of the runway and collided with a pole, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14CA169 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 23, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Sky Ranch (TN98)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N8893V
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- 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.