Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172S near Colorado Springs, CO — 2026-05-29

Final reportCEN26LA210
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Date
2026-05-29
Location
Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Airport
AFF
Aircraft
CESSNA 172S
Registration
N386SP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with runway signs.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot was completing his third solo takeoff of the day. During the takeoff roll, he recognized that the flaps were still fully extended from the previous landing and subsequently moved the flap lever to retract them. The airplane veered left off the runway and struck two runway signs, then continued back onto the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the elevator. The student pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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