NTSB Factual Report

On December 29, 2001, at 1549 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-28-161, N4390S, struck a sign during landing at Long Beach/Dougherty Field, Long Beach, California. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The local area instructional flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 by Long Beach Flying Club, and departed about 1530. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.

In his report to the Safety Board, the pilot reported he approached runway 25L (5,420 feet long by 150 feet wide, asphalt) with "crosswind correction," on center, and aligned with the runway. The runway was wet following a rain shower. As the airplane got close to the runway a left drift developed. The pilot attempted to lower the right wing to arrest the drift; however, the airplane touched down on both main landing gear about the same time. The airplane began a "severe slip" toward the left edge of the runway and, although the airplane was aligned with the runway, it traveled sideways. The pilot maintained crosswind correction and stopped the airplane. He was notified later that the left wing had been damaged by a taxiway sign. He also reported there was no mechanical malfunction.

Long Beach weather at 1556, was 5,000-foot broken ceiling with 10 statute mile visibility. The surface wind was variable at 5 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's inadequate compensation for wind, and his failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing roll.