No fatalities

Student Pilot Veers Off Runway During Touch-and-Go Landing, Hits Sign Post (N6094P)

EL Cajon, CA, US

On March 5, 2006, a Piper PA-24 (registration N6094P) was involved in an aviation accident near EL Cajon, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in an on ground collision with a sign, and the collapse of the main landing gear. 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

A solo student pilot veered left after applying full power during a touch-and-go landing, resulting in a runway excursion. The aircraft struck a sign post, collapsing the right main landing gear and causing substantial damage.

Accident Summary

A solo student pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings on a dry, paved runway. During one landing, after touching down and applying full engine power for takeoff, the airplane veered to the left and departed the left side of the runway. The pilot aborted the takeoff, but before the aircraft could stop, the right main wheel struck a sign post. The impact caused the right main landing gear to collapse, and the right wing subsequently struck the ground.

Sequence of Events

According to the student pilot, the accident occurred after a normal landing. As he applied full engine power for the subsequent takeoff, the airplane unexpectedly veered left. Despite aborting the takeoff, the aircraft continued leftward off the runway surface. The right main wheel contacted a sign post, leading to the collapse of the right main landing gear. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage, specifically to the right main landing gear and the right wing. The right wing striking the ground resulted in structural damage requiring significant repair.

All Piper PA-24 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Mar 2006 Piper PA-24 accident near EL Cajon, CA?

A solo student pilot veered left after applying full power during a touch-and-go landing, resulting in a runway excursion. The aircraft struck a sign post, collapsing the right main landing gear and causing substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Mar 2006 Piper PA-24 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Mar 2006 involved a Piper PA-24, registration N6094P, at EL Cajon, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in an on ground collision with a sign, and the collapse of the main landing gear.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060620X00775. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.