On August 16, 1995, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N381AV) was involved in an aviation accident near Champaign, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and striking a sign. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a touch-and-go maneuver, the pilot lost directional control, causing the left wing to strike a runway sign. Unaware of the impact, the pilot continued the takeoff before discovering the damage and returning for an uneventful landing.
What happened
The incident occurred during the takeoff phase of a touch-and-go landing operation. While attempting to accelerate down the runway, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft. As a result, the airplane veered off the left side of the paved surface and made contact with a runway sign using its left wing.
Despite the collision, the pilot remained unaware that the sign had been struck. The takeoff continued as normal until the aircraft became airborne. Once in the air, the pilot noticed visible damage to the left wing. Recognizing the issue, the pilot decided to return to the airport. The subsequent landing was completed without further incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and striking a sign.
What happened in the 16 Aug 1995 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Champaign, IL?
During a touch-and-go maneuver, the pilot lost directional control, causing the left wing to strike a runway sign. Unaware of the impact, the pilot continued the takeoff before discovering the damage and returning for an uneventful landing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Aug 1995 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N381AV, at Champaign, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and striking a sign.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…