Cessna 172 N739XT accident near Crystal River, Florida

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent nose-over.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot reported that, during the preflight inspection for his second solo flight, "the rudder pedals felt as if they had less resistance than normal." While conducting the takeoff, the airplane veered left, so he applied right rudder, but he was unable to regain directional control. The airplane exited the runway onto the adjacent grass and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the left-wing lift strut, and the vertical stabilizer. The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administrator inspector who examined the airplane after the accident confirmed flight control continuity and reported no anomalies with the flight controls or brakes.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20CA093 for the full record.