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July 30, 2009 · Cessna 172N · N733BS

Manassas, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 30, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Manassas, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N733BS
Operator
Manassas Aviation Center
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA430

On his third solo flight, the student pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings on the 3,703-foot-long by 100-foot-wide runway, and he had successfully completed one circuit. His flight instructor, who witnessed the accident, stated that on the second takeoff attempt the aircraft swerved to the left of the runway centerline as both main tires skidded, and the airplane impacted a runway sign. The student pilot continued the takeoff and the airplane became airborne. While the airplane was in the traffic pattern, the engine seized due to damage sustained during the takeoff sequence. The flight instructor provided guidance to maintain airspeed and aircraft control over the radio, and the student pilot subsequently landed without further incident. In his statement, the student pilot explained that the left brake was sticking during his initial takeoff roll; however, examination of the airplane after the accident revealed no mechanical anomalies. The flight instructor reported that the student pilot had been instructed to “abort the takeoff by pulling the throttle to idle and applying the brakes as appropriate” if the takeoff roll was not normal.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

On his third solo flight, the student pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings on the 3,703-foot-long by 100-foot-wide runway, and he had successfully completed one circuit. His flight instructor, who witnessed the accident, stated that on the second takeoff attempt the aircraft swerved to the left of the runway centerline as both main tires skidded, and the airplane impacted a runway sign. The student pilot continued the takeoff and the airplane became airborne. While the airplane was in the traffic pattern, the engine seized due to damage sustained during the takeoff sequence. The flight instructor provided guidance to maintain airspeed and aircraft control over the radio, and the student pilot subsequently landed without further incident. In his statement, the student pilot explained that the left brake was sticking during his initial takeoff roll; however, examination of the airplane after the accident revealed no mechanical anomalies. The flight instructor reported that the student pilot had been instructed to “abort the takeoff by pulling the throttle to idle and applying the brakes as appropriate” if the takeoff roll was not normal.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:21 EDT
Nearest AirportManassas Regional Airport (0nm)
Runway34L
Runway Length3703 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN733BS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorManassas Aviation Center
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · Unknown · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 7000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time17:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data