On February 8, 1987, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2459F) operated by Frederdick Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Mount Airy, MD. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a simulated engine-out emergency, a student pilot became engrossed in the maneuver while the instructor kept a hand on the throttle. An abrupt power application led to a collision with the ground, fence, and trees. Investigation revealed the aircraft was slightly over gross weight.
Incident Overview
During a training flight, the instructor pilot simulated an engine-out emergency by retarding the throttle. The student, who had not yet soloed, became engrossed in handling the emergency procedure. The instructor kept his hand on the throttle throughout the practice maneuver.
Sequence of Events
When the instructor applied full throttle abruptly, the student looked up to see the aircraft heading towards a row of trees. Moments later, the aircraft impacted the ground, collided with a fence, and struck trees.
Investigation Findings
Subsequent investigation showed the aircraft to be slightly over the authorized gross weight at the time of the accident.