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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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February 16, 1999 · Piper PA-28-180 · N8804J

Colorado Sprngs, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 16, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Colorado Sprngs, CO
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N8804J
Operator
Pikes Peak Pilot Center
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN99LA041

The pilot said the landing approach was 'normal,' but once the wheels touched down, 'the plane began skidding to the right and the nose wheel began vibrating uncontrollably.' The pilot attempted steer the aircraft with the rudder pedals and applied the brakes, but was unable to regain control of the aircraft. The aircraft then skidded off the left side of the runway. The right wing struck the 9,000 foot remaining runway sign. The wind was from 110 degrees at 7 knots. This was the pilot's second solo flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing touchdown. A factor was the sign.

Full Narrative

On February 16, 1999, at 1320 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, N8804J, operated by Pikes Peak Pilot Center of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was substantially damaged when it collided with a sign after it departed the runway during landing roll at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The student pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area instructional flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated approximately 50 minutes before the accident. According to the pilot, this was his second solo flight. He went to the practice area to perform maneuvers for approximately 45 minutes before returning to the pattern to practice touch and go landings on runway 17R. He stated that the landing approach was "normal," but once the wheels touched down, "the plane began skidding to the right and the nose wheel began vibrating uncontrollably." The pilot attempted to steer the aircraft with the rudder pedals and applied the brakes, but was unable to regain control of the aircraft. The aircraft skidded off the left side of the runway. The right wing struck the 9,000 foot remaining runway sign. After impacting the sign, the airplane spun to the left, and the propeller struck the ground. The wind at the time of the accident was reported to be from 110 degrees at 7 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:20 MST
Nearest AirportColorado Sprngs Municipal (0nm)
Runway17R
Runway Length11021 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN8804J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPikes Peak Pilot Center
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A3A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 23 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C / 10 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data