Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Loses Directional Control After Landing, Collides with Sand Dune (N3732K)

Ocracoke, NC, US

On August 2, 1992, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N3732K) operated by Miller, James H. was involved in an aviation accident near Ocracoke, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S LACK OF RECENT TOTAL EXPERIENCE, AND THE CROSSWIND CONDITIONS, AND THE DIRT BANK ADJACENT TO THE RUNWAY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A student pilot overflew the airport, then landed on runway 6 but lost directional control and collided with a sand dune. The pilot did not have a current solo endorsement and had only 2 hours of flight time in the previous 12 months.

Accident Overview

The accident occurred when a student pilot, after overflying the airport and checking the winds, touched down on runway 6. During the landing roll, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane, which subsequently collided with a sand dune.

Flight Details

According to the pilot, winds were from 060 degrees at the time of the landing. However, an FAA inspector reported that crosswinds prevailed during the event. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical issues with the airplane prior to the accident.

Pilot Information

The pilot was operating as a student pilot. An investigation revealed that the student did not possess a current solo endorsement on his student pilot certificate. Additionally, the pilot had logged only 2 hours of flight time in the 12 months preceding the accident.

Post-Accident Examination

No mechanical malfunctions were reported by the pilot. The FAA inspector's observation of crosswind conditions contrasted with the pilot's wind report. The lack of a valid solo endorsement and minimal recent flight experience were noted during the investigation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Aug 1992 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Ocracoke, NC?

A student pilot overflew the airport, then landed on runway 6 but lost directional control and collided with a sand dune. The pilot did not have a current solo endorsement and had only 2 hours of flight time in the previous 12 months.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Aug 1992 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N3732K, operated by Miller, James H., at Ocracoke, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S LACK OF RECENT TOTAL EXPERIENCE, AND THE CROSSWIND CONDITIONS, AND THE DIRT BANK ADJACENT TO THE RUNWAY.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15317. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.