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Casualties unknown

Engine Hesitation During Touch and Go Approach (N25718)

Scottsbluff, NE, US

On May 17, 1982, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N25718) operated by Dwane A. Willis II was involved in an aviation accident near Scottsbluff, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to apply engine power at a sufficient rate during a touch-and-go approach, exacerbated by the aircraft's lack of an accelerator pump which necessitated a slower throttle application to prevent hesitation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced engine hesitation during a touch-and-go landing approach at approximately 50 feet above the runway, requiring full throttle application just before impact with the ground.

What happened

The pilot was conducting an approach for a touch-and-go landing when the aircraft began to drop unexpectedly at an altitude of approximately 50 feet above the runway. In response to the loss of altitude, the pilot applied full throttle; however, the engine hesitated and failed to accelerate immediately. The engine only regained sufficient power to prevent a crash just before the aircraft impacted the runway surface.

The investigation

Post-accident examination revealed that the aircraft was not equipped with an accelerator pump. This mechanical configuration required the pilot to apply engine power at a slower, more gradual rate to avoid engine hesitation during rapid throttle movements.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to apply engine power at a sufficient rate during a touch-and-go approach, exacerbated by the aircraft's lack of an accelerator pump which necessitated a slower throttle application to prevent hesitation.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 May 1982 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Scottsbluff, NE?

A pilot experienced engine hesitation during a touch-and-go landing approach at approximately 50 feet above the runway, requiring full throttle application just before impact with the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 May 1982 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N25718, operated by Dwane A. Willis II, at Scottsbluff, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to apply engine power at a sufficient rate during a touch-and-go approach, exacerbated by the aircraft's lack of an accelerator pump which necessitated a slower throttle application to prevent hesitation.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03807. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.