Casualties unknown

Touch-and-Go Accident Results in Collision with Hangar and Parked Aircraft (N4160A)

Scottsdale, AZ, US

On January 14, 2004, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N4160A) operated by Sabena Airline Training Center Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Scottsdale, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot failed to retract the flaps prior to attempting the takeoff portion of a touch-and-go. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 7 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 student pilot experienced a loss of directional control during a touch-and-go landing due to failure to retract flaps, leading to collisions with a taxiway sign, hangar, and a parked airplane.

Accident Details

The accident occurred during a touch-and-go maneuver. The student pilot failed to retract the flaps prior to initiating the takeoff portion of the maneuver, resulting in a loss of directional control while still on the landing roll.

Sequence of Events

After the main landing gear lifted off, the nose wheel remained in contact with the runway, causing the airplane to swerve to the left. With both main landing gear airborne, the airplane veered off the left side of the runway. The right main landing gear collided with a taxiway identifier sign. The airplane continued across the dirt infield and a parallel taxiway until its wingtip struck a bay door on a tee hangar. It then proceeded to the adjacent bay of the same hangar and collided with a parked, unoccupied airplane.

Pilot's Report

The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

Probable cause

The student pilot failed to retract the flaps prior to attempting the takeoff portion of a touch-and-go.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040203X00157. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.