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Student Pilot's Uneven Brake Application Leads to Runway Excursion and Tree Strike

Millbrook, NY, United States

On April 30, 2011, a PIPER PA-28-181 operated by William G. Faulkner was involved in an aviation accident near Millbrook, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing and the pilot’s inadequate remedial action, which resulted in a runway excursion. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot, flying from the left seat after purchasing the airplane, applied uneven brakes during landing, causing the aircraft to veer left, strike runway lights, and collide with a tree after the private pilot instructed to add power.

Accident Overview

A student pilot, who had recently purchased the airplane, was flying from the left front seat during a flight that included a stop at an intermediate airport. The private pilot, who was not a flight instructor, occupied the right seat. The two pilots departed from an intermediate airport after a thorough preflight inspection and proceeded to their destination.

Landing and Accident Sequence

During the landing at the destination airport, the student pilot applied the brakes unevenly. This caused the airplane to veer to the left and strike runway edge lights. The private pilot also applied the brakes and instructed the student pilot to "power back." In response, the student pilot added full engine power. The airplane then departed the left side of the runway and collided with a tree.

Aftermath

The collision resulted in structural damage to the left wing of the airplane. The private pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane before the accident.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedStudent pilotInstructor/check pilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Apr 2011 PIPER PA-28-181 accident near Millbrook, NY?

A student pilot, flying from the left seat after purchasing the airplane, applied uneven brakes during landing, causing the aircraft to veer left, strike runway lights, and collide with a tree after the private pilot instructed to add power.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Apr 2011 PIPER PA-28-181 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Apr 2011 involved a PIPER PA-28-181, operated by William G. Faulkner, at Millbrook, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing and the pilot’s inadequate remedial action, which resulted in a runway excursion.

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