Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot was departing on her third solo flight. During the takeoff the airplane began drifting to the left and the pilot attempted to correct with right rudder application. The pilot said that it then felt as if the airplane encountered a gust of wind that pushed it to the left off the runway and into the grass. The airplane’s left wing struck a runway approach light and was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA227 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 4, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Knoxville Downtown Island (DKX)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Gulfstream American Corp AA-5A
- N-number
- N26941
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.