Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Loses Control After Touch-and-Go Landing (N1329C)

Everett, WA, US

On August 31, 1994, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N1329C) operated by Hill, Douglas, L. was involved in an aviation accident near Everett, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control after touchdown during a touch-and-go landing, which resulted in the right main wheel appearing to lock and the subsequent departure from 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot lost directional control following a touch-and-go landing when the right main wheel appeared to lock, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and strike a fence.

What happened

The incident occurred during a training flight involving a touch-and-go landing maneuver. According to the student pilot's account, the aircraft touched down on the runway as planned for the intended go-around. However, immediately after touchdown, the pilot reported that the right main wheel appeared to lock up unexpectedly.

As a result of this apparent locking mechanism, the airplane began to veer sharply to the right. The pilot attempted to regain directional control and bring the aircraft to a stop, but was unable to do so in time. Before control could be reestablished, the aircraft departed the paved surface at the end of the runway and impacted a chain-link fence.

The investigation

Following the incident, investigators examined the aircraft to determine if any mechanical issues contributed to the loss of control. A thorough inspection was conducted to check for failures in the braking system, landing gear, or other critical components.

No evidence was found to indicate that a mechanical failure or malfunction occurred prior to or during the accident sequence. The investigation concluded that the aircraft's systems were functioning normally from a mechanical standpoint, pointing toward pilot input or external factors as the primary elements of the event.

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control after touchdown during a touch-and-go landing, which resulted in the right main wheel appearing to lock and the subsequent departure from the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02155. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.