Runway excursion involving instructor pilot during rollout

Casualties unknown • Chandler, AZ, US

An aircraft departed the right side of runway 22R and struck a taxiway sign during a landing rollout, resulting in substantial damage to the wing.

What happened

During the landing rollout, the aircraft began to veer from the centerline. The nose of the airplane started oscillating left and right, prompting the instructor pilot to take control of the aircraft to straighten the nose and continue the rollout.

As the aircraft decelerated, it began moving toward the right side of the runway. The instructor applied left rudder in an attempt to correct the direction; however, despite applying and holding full left rudder, the instructor determined that a runway excursion was inevitable. To avoid further uncontrolled movement, the instructor released the left rudder pedal with the intention of stopping the aircraft on the dirt adjacent to the runway.

During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a taxiway sign with its lower right wing. The impact caused the airplane to spin around and resulted in substantial damage to the lower wing spar.

Findings

  • The aircraft departed the right side of runway 22R.
  • The instructor's attempt to stop on the dirt led to a collision with an unseen taxiway sign.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to depart the runway surface and steer into the dirt resulted in a collision with a taxiway sign.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-11-14 Aviat S-2C accident near Chandler, AZ?

An aircraft departed the right side of runway 22R and struck a taxiway sign during a landing rollout, resulting in substantial damage to the wing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-11-14 involved a Aviat S-2C, registration N4HV, operated by Chandler Air Service, at Chandler, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to depart the runway surface and steer into the dirt resulted in a collision with a taxiway sign.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011127X02301. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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