Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in tailwind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that the approach was stable, but during the landing roll, when applying the brakes, the airplane veered to the right. He released the brakes because he thought he needed to maintain directional control, but he then reapplied the brakes. Subsequently, he added full power to go around, and after becoming airborne, the airplane turned left. The right wing struck a runway sign, the student reduced power and landed the airplane, and he then applied the brakes to stop.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the stabilator.
The flight school's safety manager reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
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.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA274 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 10, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wickenburg, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Wickenburg Muni (E25)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N430PA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2001
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.