Cessna 172F N5704R accident near Hampton, Georgia

Probable cause

The student pilot’s application of excessive left brake during the landing roll, resulting in a loss of directional control and a runway excursion. The flight instructor’s inadequate remedial action was a factor in the accident.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor reported that her student was performing a normal visual approach and landing. After touchdown, the student had the proper wind correction added; however, she applied excessive left brake and the airplane veered “dramatically” to the left, into the grass. The airplane collided with a runway sign, resulting in damage to the fuselage and a collapsed nose landing gear. There were no injuries. An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration examined the wreckage and determined that the damage to the fuselage was substantial. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA212 for the full record.