No fatalities

Student and Instructor Involved in Runway Excursion During Touch-and-Go Landing (N32258)

Santa Barbara, CA, US

On February 2, 2000, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N32258) operated by Spitfire Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Barbara, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The dual student's loss of directional control and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During touch-and-go landing practice, a student pilot and flight instructor experienced a runway excursion after touchdown, resulting in the aircraft striking taxiway signs and sustaining substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting touch-and-go landing practice when the aircraft veered off the runway after touchdown, striking multiple taxiway signs. The instructor reported that the student had completed one previous touch-and-go landing, which was described as normal.

Sequence of Events

According to the flight instructor, during the accident sequence, the airplane had already touched down when it suddenly veered to the left side of the runway. The instructor stated that he took control of the airplane, but before he could regain directional control, the aircraft struck a series of three taxiway signs.

Damage Assessment

The collision with the signs resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and collapsed the left landing gear. No other information regarding the extent of damage or injuries was provided in the source.

Pilot Statements

The flight instructor provided the account of the events. The student pilot's perspective was not included in the available information. The source did not specify the aircraft type, registration, location, date, time of day, weather conditions, or any ATC involvement.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Feb 2000 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Santa Barbara, CA?

During touch-and-go landing practice, a student pilot and flight instructor experienced a runway excursion after touchdown, resulting in the aircraft striking taxiway signs and sustaining substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Feb 2000 Piper PA-28-180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Feb 2000 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N32258, operated by Spitfire Aviation, at Santa Barbara, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The dual student's loss of directional control and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20508. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.