Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

On February 16, 1999, at 1320 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, N8804J, operated by Pikes Peak Pilot Center of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was substantially damaged when it collided with a sign after it departed the runway during landing roll at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The student pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area instructional flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated approximately 50 minutes before the accident.

According to the pilot, this was his second solo flight. He went to the practice area to perform maneuvers for approximately 45 minutes before returning to the pattern to practice touch and go landings on runway 17R. He stated that the landing approach was "normal," but once the wheels touched down, "the plane began skidding to the right and the nose wheel began vibrating uncontrollably." The pilot attempted to steer the aircraft with the rudder pedals and applied the brakes, but was unable to regain control of the aircraft. The aircraft skidded off the left side of the runway. The right wing struck the 9,000 foot remaining runway sign. After impacting the sign, the airplane spun to the left, and the propeller struck the ground.

The wind at the time of the accident was reported to be from 110 degrees at 7 knots. The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing touchdown. A factor was the sign.