Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain runway alignment during takeoff, which resulted in an aborted takeoff and runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that, during takeoff, the solo student pilot realized he had a crosswind from the right and applied right aileron and right rudder. He added that, as the student rotated the airplane, it drifted left. The student then lost airplane control, pulled the engine power to idle, and aborted the takeoff. Subsequently, during touchdown, the airplane veered hard to the left and exited the runway, and the nose landing gear collapsed.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage.
The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was calm. The student pilot was departing from runway 1.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA253 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 4, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Glendale, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Glendale Muni (GEU)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N99141
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1985
- 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.