Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Drift, Severe Slip on Wet Runway Damages Left Wing (N4390S)

Long Beach, CA, US

On December 29, 2001, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N4390S) operated by Long Beach Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Long Beach, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's inadequate compensation for wind, and his failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 15 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

A pilot experienced a left drift during landing on a wet runway, leading to a severe slip. The left wing was damaged by a taxiway sign after the airplane touched down sideways.

Incident Details

A pilot reported that during approach to a 150-foot-wide runway, he maintained centerline alignment with crosswind correction. The runway surface was wet following a recent rain shower. As the airplane neared the runway, a left drift developed. The pilot attempted to arrest the drift by lowering the right wing, but the airplane touched down on both main landing gear nearly simultaneously.

Sequence of Events

After touchdown, the airplane began a severe slip toward the left edge of the runway. Although the airplane remained aligned with the runway heading, it traveled sideways. The pilot maintained crosswind correction and managed to stop the airplane. He was later informed that the left wing had been damaged by a taxiway sign during the event.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane. A weather observation taken seven minutes after the accident indicated variable surface wind at 5 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020103X00013. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.