Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the go around.
NTSB analysis
According to the student pilot, she was conducting touch-and-go pattern operations during her second supervised solo. During the second touch-and-go, she touched down on the runway to the right of centerline after a normal approach. She then added full power, began retracting the flaps, and tapped the left rudder to correct the airplane back to centerline. Suddenly, the airplane swerved to the left and the pilot added right rudder pedal but the airplane did not respond. The pilot then added brakes in an attempt to stop the airplane but it continued to veer off the runway to the left. The airplane subsequently impacted a raised portion of the taxiway and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the nose gear steering linkages and brakes appeared normal.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA312 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 6, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mesa, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Falcon Field Airport (KFFZ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 150G
- N-number
- N2878S
- 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.