Unfortunately one of his rentals engine malfunctioned and he crashed from 400 ft. Fortunately he survived but he was beat up pretty bad........
My husband took flying lesson at Van Nuys airport years ago. He always rented planes and did get his solo. He went up once in a rented plane and shortly thereafter lost his radio contact. He turned around (he had been intending to do a jaunt to Santa Barbara and back) and kept saying into his radio I have lost my radio. I cannot hear you but hope you can hear me. I am coming back and will be landing at 3:00PM. Please be aware of my plans. When he safely landed, he reported the malfunction of the radio and was told oh, we dont worry about any malfunctions unless two people have reported the same thing. He stopped going there for lessons and never did get his license.