Casualties unknown

Training Flight Ends with Water Impact After Simulated Power Failure (N9075H)

Brewster, MA, US

On August 1, 1987, a Piper PA-18S (registration N9075H) was involved in an aviation accident near Brewster, MA. 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

During a training flight, a student pilot executed a simulated power failure followed by a steep turn that resulted in a near-90-degree heading change, leaving insufficient altitude to recover after the CFI lowered the nose and applied full power.

Sequence of Events

According to the certified flight instructor (CFI) on board, shortly after takeoff, the student pilot was given a simulated power failure. At approximately 75 feet above ground level (AGL), the student initiated a steep turn to head into the wind, which resulted in a heading change of nearly 90 degrees. The CFI noted that the wind was not coming from the direction the student had turned toward. After the turn, the option to go around or land on the longest part of the lake was no longer available.

Attempted Recovery

The CFI reported that he lowered the aircraft's nose and applied full power in an effort to avoid a stall. However, there was insufficient altitude to regain airspeed. Subsequently, the aircraft impacted the water in a wings-level attitude and sustained damage.

Damage

The aircraft was damaged as a result of the impact with the water.

Probable Cause

No probable cause was stated in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31907. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.