No fatalities

Student Pilot's First Solo Landing Ends in Runway Excursion

Crookston, MN, United States

On October 1, 2008, a PIPER PA-28-161 operated by UND AEROSPACE FOUNDATION was involved in an aviation accident near Crookston, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A contributing factor was the student pilot's limited flight experience. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 15 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During his first solo landing, a student pilot experienced a skid after applying brakes on touchdown, causing the airplane to depart the runway and collapse the left main landing gear.

Accident Overview

The student pilot reported that he was established on final approach for runway 31, a 4,300-foot by 75-foot dry asphalt surface, and stated that "everything was on track." As the airplane crossed the threshold, he reduced engine power and began the landing flare. After touchdown, the student pilot applied the brakes, which resulted in a skid. He was unable to maintain control, and the airplane subsequently departed the runway pavement, coming to rest in a ditch. The left main landing gear collapsed during the event.

Pilot Experience

The student pilot was performing his first landing on his initial solo flight at the time of the accident. He noted that the skies were clear and the winds were calm. The pilot reported that he had accumulated 13 hours of total flight time, with 9 hours in the same make and model of airplane.

Post-Accident Inspection

A post-accident inspection did not reveal any anomalies associated with a pre-impact failure or malfunction.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Student pilotContributed to outcomeCapability exceeded

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Oct 2008 PIPER PA-28-161 accident near Crookston, MN?

During his first solo landing, a student pilot experienced a skid after applying brakes on touchdown, causing the airplane to depart the runway and collapse the left main landing gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Oct 2008 PIPER PA-28-161 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Oct 2008 involved a PIPER PA-28-161, operated by UND AEROSPACE FOUNDATION, at Crookston, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A contributing factor was the student pilot's limited flight experience. Additional factors were the presence of the ditch adjacent to the runway and the resulting collapse of the left main landing gear.