No fatalities

Student Pilot Veers Off Runway During Touch-and-Go Landing (N4372S)

West Chicago, IL, US

On December 10, 1989, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N4372S) operated by Travel Express, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near West Chicago, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE SOLO STUDENT PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT GROUND SWERVE. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE CROSSWIND, THE STUDENT PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL INEXPERIENCE, AND THE RUNWAY LIGHTS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a touch-and-go landing on runway 15, a student pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to veer off the left side and strike runway lights. A crosswind of about 6 knots was present.

Accident Details

A student pilot was conducting a touch-and-go landing on runway 15 after a previous stop-and-go landing on runway 10. According to the student's report, the touchdown was normal. As the aircraft decelerated through 30 knots, it began to veer off the left side of the runway. The student applied right rudder to correct, but the aircraft continued left, departing the runway surface and striking runway lights. The aircraft came to a stop approximately 50 feet from the runway edge.

Environmental Conditions

The runway had a direct crosswind of about 6 knots at the time of the event. No information was provided regarding visibility, temperature, or other weather factors.

Examination

Post-accident examination found no evidence of a pre-accident malfunction or failure of the aircraft. The specific aircraft type, registration, and operator were not disclosed. No injuries were reported in the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Dec 1989 Piper PA-28-161 accident near West Chicago, IL?

During a touch-and-go landing on runway 15, a student pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to veer off the left side and strike runway lights. A crosswind of about 6 knots was present.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Dec 1989 Piper PA-28-161 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Dec 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N4372S, operated by Travel Express, Inc., at West Chicago, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE SOLO STUDENT PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT GROUND SWERVE. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE CROSSWIND, THE STUDENT PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL INEXPERIENCE, AND THE RUNWAY LIGHTS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29943. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.