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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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April 22, 2023 · Piper PA-28-181 · N4402A

Mesa, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 22, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Mesa, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-181 (2019)
Tail Number
N4402A
Operator
Cae Oxford Aviation Academy Phoenix
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR23LA164

The flight instructor reported that, during an instructional flight with the student pilot at the flight controls, they realized the airplane was high while they were on the base leg of the airport traffic pattern. After turning onto final approach, the student pilot conducted a forward slip to decrease altitude and intercept the glideslope. When over the runway, the student pilot had applied too much left rudder, and on touchdown the airplane immediately veered left. The student pilot then overcorrected to the right. The flight instructor stated, he then took control of the airplane and attempted to correct back to the left, however he was unable to regain directional control. The airplane departed the runway surface impacting a runway sign, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control, and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that, during an instructional flight with the student pilot at the flight controls, they realized the airplane was high while they were on the base leg of the airport traffic pattern. After turning onto final approach, the student pilot conducted a forward slip to decrease altitude and intercept the glideslope. When over the runway, the student pilot had applied too much left rudder, and on touchdown the airplane immediately veered left. The student pilot then overcorrected to the right. The flight instructor stated, he then took control of the airplane and attempted to correct back to the left, however he was unable to regain directional control. The airplane departed the runway surface impacting a runway sign, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 MST
Nearest AirportFalcon Field (0.3nm N)
Runway22R
Runway Length3799 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-181
Tail NumberN4402A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCae Oxford Aviation Academy Phoenix
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 18 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 23 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 8 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C
Altimeter29.76 inHg
Observation Time12:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data