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Student Pilot Loses Directional Control During Landing Roll (N1645A)

Pasco, WA, US

On June 1, 1996, a Piper PA-20 (registration N1645A) was involved in an aviation accident near Pasco, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in an inadvertent ground swerve and collapse of the left main gear. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot flying solo in a tailwheel aircraft experienced an uncontrollable left wing drop during the landing roll, leading to a right-hand turn and gear collapse on the runway shoulder.

Accident Sequence and Pilot Report A student pilot, operating solo, reported that the aircraft's left wing dropped during the landing roll. The pilot stated that he was unable to counteract the wing drop using the ailerons. At this point, the tailwheel-equipped aircraft began a sweeping right-hand turn. According to a sketch provided by the pilot, a left-hand tire skid mark began at the location of the uncontrollable wing drop and curved to the right until it ended on the runway pavement. The pilot believed the landing gear collapsed at the termination point of the skid mark, and the aircraft ultimately came to rest on the right shoulder of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jun 1996 Piper PA-20 accident near Pasco, WA?

A student pilot flying solo in a tailwheel aircraft experienced an uncontrollable left wing drop during the landing roll, leading to a right-hand turn and gear collapse on the runway shoulder.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Jun 1996 Piper PA-20 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jun 1996 involved a Piper PA-20, registration N1645A, at Pasco, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in an inadvertent ground swerve and collapse of the left main gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06103. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.