Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that during a solo flight, shortly after touchdown, he applied brakes and it felt like the airplane started to skid. He attempted to correct, but the airplane veered to the left and hit a taxiway sign, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot 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 WPR23LA148 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 9, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mesa, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Falcon Field Airport (KFFZ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-180
- N-number
- N9366J
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1966
- 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.