Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
According to the flight school director, the student pilot was conducting stop-and-go landings during a solo flight. He added that the student pilot reported that, during takeoff, the airplane began to "fishtail," the pilot reduced power, but the airplane continued to the left, exited the runway, and impacted a taxiway sign.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The flight school director reported that, according to the student pilot, there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA358 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 20, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Eugene, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Mahlon Sweet Field (EUG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Vans Aircraft Inc RV-12
- N-number
- N234VA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2014
- 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.