On August 15, 1982, a Piper PA-38 (registration N2514E) operated by Carlton Franklin was involved in an aviation accident near Huntsville, AL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a private pilot flight check, a student pilot reduced power on final approach, causing the aircraft to settle. Despite the examiner's intervention, the right main gear struck a fence post 30 feet short of the runway.
Event Details
A student pilot was undergoing a flight check to obtain a private pilot certificate. The flight examiner instructed the student to remain in the traffic pattern and demonstrate a short field approach and landing.
Sequence of Events
According to the flight examiner, the approach was satisfactory until the student suddenly reduced power on final approach. At that point, the aircraft began to settle. The examiner instructed the student to raise the nose, which the student did, but he did not apply power. The examiner then applied power, but the aircraft continued to settle. Subsequently, the right main landing gear struck a fence post approximately 30 feet short of the runway.