Probable cause
The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.
NTSB analysis
According to the flight instructor, the pilot receiving instruction was seated in the left seat and manipulating the flight controls during the takeoff. As the airplane became airborne, it yawed left. The instructor intervened and aborted the takeoff. However, before the airplane landed again, the left wing impacted the airport windsock on the north side of the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing’s leading edge. The instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA164 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 23, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fullerton, California
- Nearest airport
- Fullerton Municipal Airport (FUL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-30
- N-number
- N7497Y
- 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.