Casualties unknown

Training Flight Collides with Runway Sign During Rollout (N4HV)

Chandler, AZ, US

On November 14, 2001, an Aviat S-2C (registration N4HV) operated by Chandler Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Chandler, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the flight instructor to maintain directional control resulted in a departure from the runway surface and collision with a runway sign. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, the aircraft departed the right side of runway 22R, struck a taxiway sign, and later collided with a runway sign, causing substantial damage to the lower wing spar.

Departure and Initial Event

The aircraft departed the right side of runway 22R and struck a taxiway sign during the initial phase of the event.

Rollout and Loss of Control

During the rollout, the nose of the airplane began to move to the left and then to the right. The instructor took control of the airplane, straightened the nose, and continued the rollout. As the airplane slowed, it started to move to the right again. The instructor attempted to correct by pumping the left rudder, but the airplane continued its rightward movement. He then applied and held full left rudder, but determined that the airplane would depart the runway.

Collision with Runway Sign

After releasing the left rudder pedal, the instructor intended to stop in the dirt. However, he did not see a runway sign, which collided with the lower right wing. The collision spun the airplane around, resulting in substantial damage to the lower wing spar.

Summary

The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the lower wing spar after striking a taxiway sign and subsequently colliding with a runway sign during the rollout phase of a training flight.

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.