No fatalities

Instructional Takeoff Aborted After Left Wing Strikes Windsock

Fullerton, CA, United States

On March 23, 2013, a PIPER PA-30 operated by Fun Outside was involved in an aviation accident near Fullerton, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action. 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

During a training flight, an instructor aborted takeoff after the airplane yawed left. During the abort, the left wing struck a windsock, causing substantial damage to the wing's leading edge.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor and a pilot receiving instruction were conducting a takeoff. The student pilot was seated in the left seat and was manipulating the flight controls during the takeoff roll.

Sequence of Events

As the airplane rotated and became airborne, it yawed to the left. The instructor intervened and aborted the takeoff. Before the airplane landed, the left wing impacted an airport windsock that was located on the north side of the runway.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the leading edge of the left wing.

Mechanical Status

The instructor reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotInstructor/check pilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Wind sock

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Mar 2013 PIPER PA-30 accident near Fullerton, CA?

During a training flight, an instructor aborted takeoff after the airplane yawed left. During the abort, the left wing struck a windsock, causing substantial damage to the wing's leading edge.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Mar 2013 PIPER PA-30 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Mar 2013 involved a PIPER PA-30, operated by Fun Outside, at Fullerton, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.