Probable cause
The student pilot’s loss of directional control while landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with an airport sign.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that upon landing, the airplane began “veering toward the left side of the runway.” He attempted to correct with right rudder but was unsuccessful and subsequently attempted to abort the landing. During the maneuver the right main landing gear impacted a runway sign and the airplane touched back down in the grass next to the runway coming to a stop. During the accident sequence, the right horizontal stabilizer was substantially damaged. The owner 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 ERA23LA282 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 2, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kennesaw, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Cobb County Intl-Mccollum Fld (RYY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N734YD
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- 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.