Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while attempting to take off in a gusty crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot stated that he was attempting to take off in a left quartering crosswind with significant gusts. During the takeoff roll, the wind struck the airplane hard, and the pilot attempted to correct with rudder input, but overcompensated. The airplane then turned left into the wind and departed the paved runway surface before it impacted runway lights and terrain. The airplane’s fuselage and left wing strut were substantially damaged during the runway excursion. The pilot stated 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 ERA25LA213 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 22, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Murfreesboro, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Murfreesboro Muni (MBT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N6317D
- 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.