Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Loses Directional Control During Landing; Instructor's Go-Around Attempt Ends in Ground Strike (N454Q)

Grand Haven, MI, US

On April 1, 1996, a Piper PA-18A (registration N454Q) operated by John R. Yarranton was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Haven, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the dual student to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing, and inadequate supervision by the flight instructor. 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

After a left-wing-low landing, the student pilot allowed the airplane to veer left. The instructor took control, added full power, and pulled back on the stick to avoid a runway light, but the right wing dipped and struck terrain.

Accident Sequence

The accident occurred during a landing when the student pilot, who was flying the airplane from the front seat, allowed the airplane to veer left after touchdown from a left wing low landing. The instructor pilot, seated in the back seat, took control of the airplane. To avoid a runway light, the instructor added full power and pulled back on the stick. The airplane cleared the light at a slow airspeed, but immediately after, the right wing dipped and struck the terrain. The airplane then spun around and came to a stop.

Investigation Findings

An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that could have contributed to the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05529. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.