Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in an impact with an obstacle.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that while practicing crosswind landings a gust of wind pushed the airplane left. The flight instructor took the controls and applied right rudder and added power to go around, but the airplane impacted a taxiway sign before it transitioned into a climb. According to the instructor, the airplane did not exhibit any abnormal flight characteristics once airborne. After communicating with air traffic control, they returned to the airplane base where substantial damage was found to the left wing.
The pilot 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 WPR23LA119 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 15, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fullerton, California
- Nearest airport
- Fullerton Muni (KFUL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N8318C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- 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.