Probable cause
The student pilot's use of excessive ground speed while making a right turn when exiting the runway, which resulted in a loss of directional control and a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
According to the operator, during a training flight in the pattern, the solo student pilot landed on the runway. During the landing roll, the student turned right to exit the runway. However, the airplane's ground speed was too fast and "he missed the taxiway." The airplane exited the right side of the runway just beyond the taxiway turnout, went down an embankment, and then stopped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left engine mount. The operator 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 GAA20CA074 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 12, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fallbrook, California
- Nearest airport
- Fallbrook Community Airpark (L18)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N3803S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1963
- 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.