On July 8, 2000, a Cessna 172 (registration N1897V) operated by Sunbird Flight Services was involved in an aviation accident near Chandler, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot-in-command to adequately compensate for a crosswind condition and maintain directional control during the landing roll, resulting in the airplane departing the runway and colliding with a sign. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
After four touch-and-go landings on runway 22L, a pilot was cleared for full-stop landing on runway 22R. During touchdown on the right main gear, the airplane veered left, departed the runway, and struck a taxiway sign.
Incident Summary
The pilot of a light airplane had completed four touch-and-go landings on runway 22L. He then requested a full stop landing and was cleared to land on the adjacent runway 22R. At the time, the wind was reported from 180 degrees at 8 knots.
Landing and Runway Excursion
To maintain alignment with the runway, the pilot applied right rudder and left aileron inputs. As the airplane touched down on the right main landing gear, it began to veer to the left. The aircraft then departed the runway surface and subsequently collided with a taxiway sign.
Aftermath
The collision with the sign occurred after the airplane left the runway. No further details about the aircraft or occupants are available from the source material.