Probable cause
The student pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a collision with a taxiway sign.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, following a normal landing and while the airplane was decelerating, he attempted to exit the runway as instructed by the air traffic tower controller. During the turn, the student lost directional control of the airplane, and it exited the runway and struck a taxiway sign, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The student reported that the speed was suitable for the turn but that he had issues controlling the airplane with the rudder pedals and brakes, which resulted in the runway excursion. The operator 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 WPR20CA052 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 23, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chandler, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N924PA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1999
- 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.