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NTSB Report
October 17, 2020 · Cessna 172 · N26481
Columbus, MS
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 17, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Columbus, MS
Aircraft
Cessna 172 (1998)
Tail Number
N26481
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA032
The solo student pilot was conducting a touch-and-go landing. During the subsequent takeoff roll, directional control was not maintained, and the airplane impacted a taxiway sign, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and firewall. Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained
Full Narrative
The solo student pilot was conducting a touch-and-go landing. During the subsequent takeoff roll, directional control was not maintained, and the airplane impacted a taxiway sign, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and firewall. Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 CDT
Nearest AirportCOLUMBUS (1nm)
Runway36
Runway Length4503 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN26481
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time15:56
Weather SourceWFAC