FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Ground Loop During Touch-and-Go Takeoff (N5363W)

Pickens, SC, US

On April 14, 1997, a Piper PA-28-160 (registration N5363W) operated by Chester D. Maynard was involved in an aviation accident near Pickens, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll from a touch-and-go landing, which resulted in the airplane going off the side of the runway, down an embankment, and into brush/trees. 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 touch-and-go landing, a student pilot experienced a right wing drop before rotation, causing the aircraft to roll on the right main and nose landing gear, turn left, and depart the runway into trees.

Incident Description

A student pilot reported that while performing his fifth touch-and-go landing, the aircraft's right wing dropped just before reaching rotation speed. This caused the airplane to roll on the right main landing gear and nose landing gear, resulting in a 45-degree left turn. The aircraft subsequently departed the side of the runway, went down an embankment, and struck trees and brush before coming to rest.

Postcrash Examination

Following the incident, examination of the right landing gear strut revealed it was extended more than 2 inches and still contained air pressure and hydraulic fluid. No other damage or anomalies were reported in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Apr 1997 Piper PA-28-160 accident near Pickens, SC?

During a touch-and-go landing, a student pilot experienced a right wing drop before rotation, causing the aircraft to roll on the right main and nose landing gear, turn left, and depart the runway into trees.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Apr 1997 involved a Piper PA-28-160, registration N5363W, operated by Chester D. Maynard, at Pickens, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll from a touch-and-go landing, which resulted in the airplane going off the side of the runway, down an embankment, and into brush/trees.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07791. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.