Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain lateral control during a soft-field takeoff, which resulted in the left wing striking the runway and a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
During a private pilot checkride, the student pilot was asked to perform a soft-field takeoff. The student reported that, during the takeoff, he applied back pressure and anticipated that the airplane would become airborne. He added that he never felt the airplane "come up," so he applied more back pressure. He reported that the airplane then "popped up," banked left, and struck the runway. The airplane exited the runway to the left into grass, and the nose and right landing gear collapsed.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount.
The student reported that 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 GAA19CA440 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 19, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Denver, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Centennial (APA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N403FR
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1997
- 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.