Probable cause
The failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control during the takeoff portion of a touch-and-go landing resulting in a collision with a sign.
NTSB analysis
At the initiation of the takeoff roll, following a touch-and-go landing, the student pilot added full power, but before she could rotate for takeoff, she had "… a hard time controlling the airplane on the ground." She aborted the takeoff, but was unable to keep the airplane from departing the side of the runway, where it impacted a distance remaining sign. An inspection of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies with the nose wheel steering or rudder systems.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA008 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 7, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Renton, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Renton Municipal (KRNT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172P
- N-number
- N54088
- 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.