Probable cause
The student pilot’s inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that during a crosswind landing just prior to the airplane’s nose wheel touching down, the airplane’s right wing rose and the airplane began to veer to the left. The airplane exited the runway to the left, impacted a runway sign, and ground looped. Examination of the airplane revealed structural damage to the left main landing gear strut and the horizontal stabilizer. The pilot said there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA406 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 19, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mesa, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Falcon Field (FFZ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-181
- N-number
- N4177L
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.