Probable cause
The pilot's improper use of the flight controls and failure to maintain directional control.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot and her certified flight instructor (CFI) flew around the traffic pattern in preparation for the student's first solo flight. After successfully completing three takeoffs and landings, the CFI exited the airplane and the student commenced her solo flight. The CFI monitored the airplane's flight and observed what he described as a normal approach and touchdown. However, during rollout the airplane veered off the side of the runway, entered soft terrain, and nosed over. The student indicated that upon losing directional control she had attempted to redirect the airplane back toward the runway initially using the ailerons and then the rudder. The student applied brakes in a effort to decelerate, but did not pull the yoke in an aft direction as the airplane entered soft terrain adjacent to the runway.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA074 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 11, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Richfield, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Richfield Municipal (RIF)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N80318
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.