Probable cause
The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in the airplane landing sideways and a subsequent runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that, while observing the solo student pilot's flight from the ground, the approach looked good, but the airplane might have been fast. As the airplane flared, he noticed the right wing "kind of pop up" just before touchdown. Subsequently, the airplane landed sideways and exited the left side of the runway.
The instructor added that the student was unsure of what happened but reported that he had just lost control.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA028 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 18, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hastings, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Hastings (9D9)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N41390
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- 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.