No fatalities

10 May 2018: PIPER PA28 181 — AeroGuard Flight Training Center — Wickenburg, AZ

Wickenburg, AZ, United States

On 10 May 2018, a PIPER PA28 181 operated by AeroGuard Flight Training Center was involved in an aviation accident near Wickenburg, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in tailwind conditions. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 16 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot reported that during landing roll brake application, the airplane veered right. After a go-around and becoming airborne, the airplane turned left, and the right wing struck a runway sign. Substantial damage to the stabilator occurred. No preaccident mechanical issues were found.

Incident Summary

A student pilot reported that the approach was stable, but during the landing roll, when applying the brakes, the airplane veered to the right. The pilot released the brakes, believing it was necessary to maintain directional control, then reapplied them. Subsequently, the pilot added full power to initiate a go-around. After becoming airborne, the airplane turned left, and the right wing struck a runway sign. The pilot then reduced power, the airplane landed, and the pilot applied the brakes to stop.

Damage Assessment

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the stabilator.

Mechanical Examination

The Safety Manager of the flight school reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Weather Conditions

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 13 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 210° at 7 knots. The airplane landed on runway 05.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedStudent/instructed pilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationContributed to outcome