Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after landing the airplane pulled to the left, which he was not able to immediately recover from. The airplane continued to the left and impacted a taxiway sign with the right wing, substantially damaging the wing spar. After applying right rudder he was able to get the airplane tracking in the right direction, but the right main landing gear collapsed just after hitting the sign, which resulted in the airplane ground-looping to the right. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA426 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 21, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lancaster, California
- Nearest airport
- General Willam J Fox Airfield (WJF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28 - 161
- N-number
- N6313C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.