No fatalities

Student Pilot's Takeoff Results in Runway Excursion and Wing Spar Damage

Clewiston, FL, United States

On November 11, 2013, a PIPER PA 28-161 operated by FLIGHT SAFETY INTERNATIONAL INC was involved in an aviation accident near Clewiston, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot's takeoff with crosswind correction led to the right wing rising, departure from runway, and striking a runway marker, causing right wing spar damage.

Incident Overview

A student pilot reported that after landing at his second destination airport, he performed a full stop and taxied back to the runway for departure. Lining up on runway centerline, he applied a left crosswind correction by turning the yoke to the left. Upon applying takeoff power and initiating the ground roll, the right wing rose upwards.

Pilot Response and Aftermath

In response, the pilot applied right aileron, right rudder, and brakes. Despite these inputs, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and struck a thousand-foot marker. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed right wing spar damage.

Mechanical Condition

The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Student pilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Nov 2013 PIPER PA 28-161 accident near Clewiston, FL?

A student pilot's takeoff with crosswind correction led to the right wing rising, departure from runway, and striking a runway marker, causing right wing spar damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Nov 2013 PIPER PA 28-161 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Nov 2013 involved a PIPER PA 28-161, operated by FLIGHT SAFETY INTERNATIONAL INC, at Clewiston, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.