LAX94LA103

Factual narrative

On January 24, 1994, at 1635 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172N, N6375D, lost control and veered off runway 25R at the Livermore Municipal Airport, Livermore, California. The noncertificated student pilot was conducting a local visual flight rules solo instructional flight and was not injured. The airplane, operated by Sierra Academy of Aeronautics (herein referred to as Sierra Academy), Livermore, sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at Livermore Municipal Airport at 1540 hours. Mr. James Deeton, Director of Flight Operations, Sierra Academy, submitted the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2. He said that the student was dispatched at 1540 hours and departed to the practice area. The student returned to the airport at 1610 hours and was doing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. On the last takeoff, the student attempted to take off with the flaps fully extended (30 degrees). The student failed to maintain directional control and departed the left side of the runway and entered the soft, recently plowed terrain. When the airplane's nose wheel encountered the mud, the airplane nosed over onto its back. Mr. Deeton also indicated on the accident report that the airplane did not experience any malfunctions or failures. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the winds were reported to be from 150 degrees at 5 knots at the time of the accident. The operator reported the winds were from 160 degrees at 6 knots. THE STUDENT WAS PRACTICING TOUCH-AND GO-TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS. ON THE LAST TAKEOFF, THE STUDENT PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKE OFF WITH THE FLAPS FULLY EXTENDED. HE THEN FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL BY IMPROPERLY USING THE RUDDER. THE AIRPLANE EXITED THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY AND NOSED OVER ONTO ITS BACK. THERE WERE NO REPORTED AIRPLANE/ENGINE MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12