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Student Pilot's Left Rudder Application Leads to Runway Excursion in Piper PA-28 (N4814L)

Blue Bell, PA, US

On December 20, 2007, a Piper PA28-180 (registration N4814L) was involved in an aviation accident near Blue Bell, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 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 in a Piper PA-28 applied left rudder for a crosswind on approach, held it at touchdown, causing the airplane to veer left off Runway 06 and strike a culvert and two signs.

Accident Sequence

During a solo flight, a student pilot was landing a Piper PA-28 on Runway 06. The pilot reported applying left rudder to compensate for a "slight" left crosswind on approach. At touchdown, the pilot stated that he "never let off left rudder," which caused the airplane to depart the left side of the runway. The airplane subsequently struck a culvert and two signs.

Aircraft Damage

A post-flight inspection revealed damage to the propeller, nose landing gear, and firewall.

Pilot Information

The student pilot reported a total of 78 hours of flight experience, with 31 hours in the Piper PA-28 make and model. The pilot reported no deficiencies with the performance and handling of the airplane.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, the winds reported at the airport were from 280 degrees at 3 knots.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Dec 2007 Piper PA28-180 accident near Blue Bell, PA?

A solo student pilot in a Piper PA-28 applied left rudder for a crosswind on approach, held it at touchdown, causing the airplane to veer left off Runway 06 and strike a culvert and two signs.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Dec 2007 Piper PA28-180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Dec 2007 involved a Piper PA28-180, registration N4814L, at Blue Bell, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20080416X00491. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.