No fatalities

Student Pilot on First Solo Strikes Taxiway Sign After Landing Gear Leaves Runway (N56474)

Tucson, AZ, US

On September 13, 1997, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N56474) operated by Deborah Sampson was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane and proper alignment with the runway during landing. 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 her first supervised solo flight, a student pilot aligned too far left on approach to runway 11R. After touchdown, the left main gear exited the pavement, and the airplane struck a taxiway sign.

Accident Details

According to the investigation report, the student pilot was conducting her first supervised solo flight. While attempting to land on runway 11R, she reported that the airplane was aligned too far to the left side of the runway. Following touchdown, the left main landing gear departed the paved surface, and the airplane subsequently collided with a taxiway sign.

Weather and Wind Conditions

The wind at the time was reported as coming from 190 degrees at 7 knots. No other weather information was provided in the source.

Pilot Experience

The student pilot had accumulated a total of 21 hours of flight experience, all of which were in the accident aircraft. This was her first solo flight under supervision.

Conclusion

The source does not state a probable cause for the accident. The report documents the sequence of events as described, without assigning causal factors.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Sept 1997 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Tucson, AZ?

During her first supervised solo flight, a student pilot aligned too far left on approach to runway 11R. After touchdown, the left main gear exited the pavement, and the airplane struck a taxiway sign.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Sept 1997 Piper PA-28-140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Sept 1997 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N56474, operated by Deborah Sampson, at Tucson, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane and proper alignment with the runway during landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08890. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.