Casualties unknown

Gear Collapse During Simulated Forced Landing Review (N885A)

Bandon, OR, US

On November 5, 1983, a Piper PA-22-125 (registration N885A) was involved in an aviation accident near Bandon, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and sink rate during a simulated forced landing, which resulted in a hard landing and gear collapse. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna aircraft suffered gear collapse and wing damage during a simulated forced landing review when the pilot allowed excessive sink rate and encountered wind shear near the runway.

What happened

The pilot and an airline transport pilot instructor (CFI) were conducting a local flight for a biennial flight review. During the maneuver, they performed a simulated forced landing approach. The aircraft was permitted to develop an excessive rate of sink. As they neared the runway, the crew encountered low-level wind shear. They touched down hard, resulting in the collapse of the nose and left main landing gear. The impact also caused damage to the left wing.

Findings

Both pilots reported that winds were from the south at 20 knots, gusting to 30 knots. The pilot allowed the aircraft to develop a high sink rate during the simulated approach. Wind shear near the runway contributed to the hard landing. Gear collapse occurred upon impact with the ground.

Safety message

Pilots should maintain proper airspeed and sink rate control during simulated emergency approaches, especially when operating in gusty wind conditions.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and sink rate during a simulated forced landing, which resulted in a hard landing and gear collapse.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X45202. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.