On October 29, 1984, a Beech 76 (registration N38085) was involved in an aviation accident near Ft.walton Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and attitude during the simulated engine failure landing, resulting in a hard touchdown and gear collapse. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a multiengine instructional flight simulating an engine failure, the student pilot's hard landing caused the left main and nose gear to collapse after the aircraft bounced upon touchdown.
What happened
The accident occurred during a multiengine instructional flight. The certified flight instructor (CFI) initiated a simulated engine failure by retarding the power on the left engine. In response, the student pilot elected to land on the remaining runway. He retarded the right engine power and descended toward the runway. The aircraft touched down hard and bounced. Upon bouncing, the left main landing gear and nose gear collapsed. After the bounce, the CFI took control of the aircraft and completed the landing.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical condition of the landing gear following the impact. The left main and nose gear were found to be collapsed due to the excessive loads generated during the hard touchdown and subsequent bounce.
Probable cause
the student pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and attitude during the simulated engine failure landing, resulting in a hard touchdown and gear collapse
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 Oct 1984 Beech 76 accident near Ft.walton Beach, FL?
During a multiengine instructional flight simulating an engine failure, the student pilot's hard landing caused the left main and nose gear to collapse after the aircraft bounced upon touchdown.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Oct 1984 involved a Beech 76, registration N38085, at Ft.walton Beach, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the student pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and attitude during the simulated engine failure landing, resulting in a hard touchdown and gear collapse
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