On 25 Aug 2018, a Piper PA28 181 was involved in an aviation accident near Point Lookout, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's inadvertent left brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with runway lights. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During the landing roll, a student pilot inadvertently applied the left toe brake while intending to use left rudder, causing the airplane to veer left, exit the runway, and collide with runway lighting, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.
Incident Overview
A student pilot reported that, during the landing roll of a recent flight, he inadvertently applied the left toe brake while attempting to apply left rudder. This action caused the airplane to veer sharply to the left. The student pilot then attempted to regain directional control, but the airplane exited the left side of the runway and collided with runway lighting before coming to a stop.
Aircraft Damage
The right wing of the airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the collision with the runway lighting. No other damage was reported.
Pilot Report
The student pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The incident was attributed solely to the pilot's inadvertent brake application during the landing roll.
Contributing factors
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedUnintentional use/operationStudent/instructed pilotEffect on equipment