Probable cause
The student pilot's decision to attempt to close the cockpit window during takeoff and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll, the pilot's side window blew open as full power was applied. He added that he "reached over with [his] right hand to close [the] window," but as he did so, the airplane veered off the runway to the left into a wooded area and impacted terrain. The student pilot reported that he had noticed on previous flights that the window latch was loose and that he had planned to get it fixed but had not done so.
Both wings sustained substantial damage.
The student pilot 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 GAA17CA326 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 4, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Newburyport, Massachusetts
- Nearest airport
- Plum Island (2B2)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 150
- N-number
- N6511S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1967
- 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.