No fatalities

Pilot Lands Right of Centerline and Strikes Runway Sign on Runway 03

Scottsdale, AZ, United States

On April 20, 2019, a Cessna 172 S operated by Scottsdale Executive Flight Training LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Scottsdale, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper rudder inputs and failure to maintain directional control during landing with a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a runway sign. 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 pilot landed right of the runway centerline, drifted right despite rudder input, over-corrected, exited the runway, and struck a sign. The right elevator sustained substantial damage.

Accident Details

A pilot experienced a loss of directional control during landing on runway 03. According to the pilot's report, the airplane touched down to the right of the runway centerline and subsequently continued drifting to the right. The pilot applied right rudder input, but the airplane maintained its rightward movement. In response, the pilot reported that he "over-corrected and over-corrected back," resulting in the airplane exiting the right side of the runway. The aircraft then impacted a runway sign before the pilot taxied to parking without further incident.

Aircraft Damage

Post-accident examination revealed substantial damage to the right elevator of the airplane. No other damage was reported.

Pilot and Mechanical Factors

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

Weather Information

The automated weather observation station at the airport recorded wind from 150° at 6 knots approximately 7 minutes before the accident. The pilot was landing on runway 03.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedIncorrect use/operationPilotEffect on operation

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Apr 2019 Cessna 172 S accident near Scottsdale, AZ?

A pilot landed right of the runway centerline, drifted right despite rudder input, over-corrected, exited the runway, and struck a sign. The right elevator sustained substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Apr 2019 Cessna 172 S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Apr 2019 involved a Cessna 172 S, operated by Scottsdale Executive Flight Training LLC, at Scottsdale, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper rudder inputs and failure to maintain directional control during landing with a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a runway sign.