Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and collison with a runway sign.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing roll she had a difficult time slowing the airplane down and thought there might be a problem with the brakes. After overcorrecting with right rudder the airplane veered off of the right side of the runway, where it impacted a runway sign and a taxiway light before coming to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing's leading edge spar. A postaccident examination of the brake system revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA021 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 19, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tucson, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Ryan Field (RYN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28 - 160
- N-number
- N5184W
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1961
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.