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Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Collides with Tree During Takeoff from Dirt Airstrip (N32532)

Simi Valley, CA, US

On June 2, 1994, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N32532) operated by Craig M. Cordial was involved in an aviation accident near Simi Valley, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY ALIGN THE AIRPLANE'S FLIGHTPATH OVER THE RUNWAY DURING INITIAL CLIMB. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE STUDENT PILOT'S TOTAL LACK OF RECENT FLYING EXPERIENCE. 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

During a practice takeoff from a dirt airstrip, a student pilot's airplane drifted left and collided with a tree. The pilot had not received dual flight instruction in five months nor a solo endorsement in seven months.

Incident Details

A student pilot was practicing flying in preparation for the FAA flight exam using his father's airplane. The pilot landed on a dirt airstrip and subsequently attempted to take off. According to the student, as the airplane was lifting off at an airspeed of about 70 knots, it drifted left and collided with a tree near the runway. The source did not provide information on the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, damage items, time of day, weather, or ATC involvement.

Pilot Background

The pilot had not received dual flight instruction in five months. Additionally, he had not received a logbook endorsement authorizing solo flying in seven months. No further details were provided regarding the pilot's training history or certification status.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jun 1994 Piper PA-28-151 accident near Simi Valley, CA?

During a practice takeoff from a dirt airstrip, a student pilot's airplane drifted left and collided with a tree. The pilot had not received dual flight instruction in five months nor a solo endorsement in seven months.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jun 1994 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N32532, operated by Craig M. Cordial, at Simi Valley, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY ALIGN THE AIRPLANE'S FLIGHTPATH OVER THE RUNWAY DURING INITIAL CLIMB. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE STUDENT PILOT'S TOTAL LACK OF RECENT FLYING EXPERIENCE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01554. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.