On April 16, 1985, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2428D) was involved in an aviation accident near Vero Beach, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper execution of a simulated engine failure, which resulted in a stall and hard landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a student training flight, an instructor simulated an engine failure at 75 feet AGL. The student attempted to recover but stalled the aircraft, resulting in a hard landing.
What happened
The incident occurred during a student pilot training flight. At approximately 75 feet above ground level (AGL) during takeoff, the instructor pilot reduced the throttle to simulate an engine failure. The student pilot responded by pitching the nose of the aircraft up. The instructor then took control, lowered the nose, and added power in an attempt to flare the aircraft for landing.
The investigation
The instructor reported that he ran out of aft elevator authority during the recovery attempt. Consequently, the aircraft stalled and landed hard. No further mechanical examination details were provided in the source text.
Findings
The primary factor was the stall during the simulated engine failure exercise. The instructor's inability to maintain pitch control due to insufficient elevator authority contributed to the hard landing.
Probable cause
The student pilot's improper execution of a simulated engine failure, which resulted in a stall and hard landing.
What happened in the 16 Apr 1985 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Vero Beach, FL?
During a student training flight, an instructor simulated an engine failure at 75 feet AGL. The student attempted to recover but stalled the aircraft, resulting in a hard landing.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Apr 1985 Piper PA-38-112 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Apr 1985 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N2428D, at Vero Beach, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's improper execution of a simulated engine failure, which resulted in a stall and hard landing.
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