PIPER PA-28-181
Mesa, AZ — August 19, 2009
Event Information
| Date | August 19, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR09CA406 |
| Event ID | 20090820X62823 |
| Location | Mesa, AZ |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 33.46083, -111.72833 |
| Airport | Falcon Field |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-28-181 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The student pilot’s inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Full Narrative
The student pilot reported that during a crosswind landing just prior to the airplane’s nose wheel touching down, the airplane’s right wing rose and the airplane began to veer to the left. The airplane exited the runway to the left, impacted a runway sign, and ground looped. Examination of the airplane revealed structural damage to the left main landing gear strut and the horizontal stabilizer. The pilot said there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.