On May 10, 1999, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N7173R) was involved in an aviation accident near Rock Hill, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate control of the airplane during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot experienced a runway excursion following his first solo landing attempt, resulting in the aircraft colliding with a drainage ditch adjacent to the airfield.
What happened
The incident occurred immediately after the aircraft touched down on the runway. Upon completing the landing roll, the airplane began to drift laterally toward the right side of the paved surface. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, causing the aircraft to leave the runway environment entirely. The airplane subsequently collided with a ditch that ran parallel to the runway centerline.
Post-incident interviews revealed that this event marked the pilot's first solo landing attempt. At the time of the accident, the student pilot had accumulated a total of 50 hours of flight time. Of those total hours, only 6.4 hours were logged specifically in the make and model of aircraft involved in the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate control of the airplane during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 10 May 1999 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Rock Hill, SC?
A student pilot experienced a runway excursion following his first solo landing attempt, resulting in the aircraft colliding with a drainage ditch adjacent to the airfield.
Were there any fatalities in the 10 May 1999 Piper PA-28-140 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 May 1999 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N7173R, at Rock Hill, SC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate control of the airplane during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.
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