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Casualties unknown

Airplane Overruns Runway, Strikes Ditch During Landing (N253FD)

Santa Monica, CA, US

On December 4, 2004, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N253FD) operated by Justice Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Monica, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the certified flight instructor's inadequate supervision, inadequate compensation for the tailwind condition, and delayed remedial action, which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with a ditch. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a power-off approach, a training airplane floated approximately 2,500 feet down the runway before touching down. The CFI determined a go-around was not feasible, applied brakes, retracted flaps, and veered right to avoid a ditch, but the airplane overran and struck the ditch.

Accident Details

The airplane was on a landing approach with a certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot on board. The approach was the last power-off approach of the session. As the airplane descended, it floated for approximately 2,500 feet along the 4,987-foot runway before making contact with the ground. The CFI assessed the situation and concluded that initiating a go-around at that point would be too late.

Actions During Landing

Upon touchdown, the CFI applied the brakes, retracted the flaps, and turned the airplane to the right in an attempt to avoid a ditch located near the runway. Despite these actions, the airplane overran the runway and collided with the ditch.

Weather Conditions

An unedited surface weather observation (METAR) issued about 20 minutes before the accident reported winds from 070 degrees at 6 knots. Another METAR issued approximately 40 minutes after the accident indicated winds from 100 degrees at 7 knots, with directional variations between 070 and 190 degrees.

Mechanical Status

The CFI reported that no mechanical malfunctions were encountered with the airplane during the flight.

Runway excursion

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Dec 2004 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Santa Monica, CA?

During a power-off approach, a training airplane floated approximately 2,500 feet down the runway before touching down. The CFI determined a go-around was not feasible, applied brakes, retracted flaps, and veered right to avoid a ditch, but the airplane overran and struck the ditch.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Dec 2004 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N253FD, operated by Justice Aviation, at Santa Monica, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the certified flight instructor's inadequate supervision, inadequate compensation for the tailwind condition, and delayed remedial action, which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with a ditch.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041222X02024. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.