On September 15, 1985, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2387P) was involved in an aviation accident near Madison, CT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an engine failure simulation, an aircraft struck reeds on short final and came to rest on grass short of the runway. The reeds were 8-10 ft high and 100 ft from the threshold.
Incident Details
While on the downwind leg for Runway 24, the instructor reduced the engine power to idle to simulate an engine failure. The student pilot executed a short approach. Upon reaching 700 feet above ground level, the student directed the aircraft directly toward the approach end of the runway at a 30-degree angle from the runway heading. On short final, the aircraft was turned to align with the runway, and power was added to avoid reeds that obstruct the approach path.
The left wing and main landing gear struck the reeds, and the aircraft came to rest on a grass area short of the runway.
Location and Obstructions
The reeds were described as 8 to 10 feet high and located approximately 100 feet from the runway threshold. They obstructed the approach path, prompting the addition of power during the final turn.