Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Control During Touch-and-Go Landing, Strikes Windsock Pole (N1290C)

Sand Springs, OK, US

On January 22, 2000, a Piper PA-18A (registration N1290C) operated by Brad A. Coday was involved in an aviation accident near Sand Springs, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing roll. 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

During touch-and-go landings, a commercial pilot lost control after landing, veered off the runway, and struck a windsock pole after becoming airborne over a ditch.

Incident Details

A commercial pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings at an airstrip. The pilot reported calm wind conditions. During the first approach, the pilot executed a practice go-around. On the second approach, the aircraft touched down on the runway and began drifting to the right.

Sequence of Events

The pilot applied left rudder to correct the drift, but could not recall subsequent events. An FAA inspector examined the accident site and observed tire marks on the runway. The marks traveled toward the right side of the runway before making a sharp left turn. The tire tracks then exited the west side of the runway and continued into a ditch. The aircraft became airborne after traversing the ditch, struck a windsock pole located approximately 60 to 80 yards beyond the ditch, and then came to a stop in an upright position.

Investigation

The FAA inspector documented the tire marks and the location of the windsock pole. The pilot's recollection of the event was incomplete after applying left rudder. No further causal factors were identified in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20368. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.