Probable cause
The student pilot's loss of directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion, collision with a pole, and a subsequent ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, after touchdown, she applied too much right rudder and then overcorrected by applying too much left rudder. The airplane then veered left and exited the runway. The right wing struck a windsock pole, crossed a ditch, and ground looped before coming to a stop upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, engine mount, and the left forward side of the fuselage. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR20CA138 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 13, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tucson, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Ryan Field (RYN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 28-180
- N-number
- N15756
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1972
- 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.