Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Experiences Wing Lift During Landing Rollout (N3194Z)

Westfield, MA, US

On November 9, 2003, a Piper PA-18 (registration N3194Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Westfield, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

During landing rollout in variable winds, a student pilot's airplane's right wing struck the runway after wind lifted the left wing; the airplane then struck a taxiway sign and came to rest upright.

Accident Details

A student pilot was landing on a 9,000-foot long, 150-foot wide asphalt runway. The pilot reported that the wind was variable at 5 knots during the landing.

Sequence of Events

During the rollout after touchdown, the wind lifted the left wing of the airplane. The student pilot attempted to correct the situation by applying left aileron input. However, the right wing subsequently struck the runway. The airplane then continued and struck a taxiway sign before coming to rest upright.

Weather Information

The reported wind around the time of the accident was variable at 3 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031202X01978. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.