Casualties unknown

1989-05-01: Piper PA-38-112 (N4439E) — Eugene E. Thebus — Gerlach, NV

Gerlach, NV, US

On May 1, 1989, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N4439E) operated by Eugene E. Thebus was involved in an aviation accident near Gerlach, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A DELAY BY THE PILOT IN ABORTING THE LANDING AND HIS FAILURE TO ASSURE SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED FOR THE GO-AROUND (ABORTED LANDING). A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE UNSUITABLE LANDING AREA THAT WAS SELECTED BY THE PILOT. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A CFI demonstrating a soft-field landing at an unimproved ranch strip initiated a go-around after encountering dirt mounds and insufficient runway, but the aircraft lost flying speed and settled into a field, damaging the landing gear on an irrigation pipe.

Incident Details

A certified flight instructor (CFI) was conducting a demonstration of a soft-field landing at an unimproved ranch strip. While approaching the landing, the instructor observed mounds of soft dirt on the landing area. To avoid them, he increased power to extend the glide beyond the mounds. After passing the dirt, the instructor realized that the remaining runway length was insufficient to complete the landing. He therefore initiated a go-around.

During the go-around, the instructor applied full power and raised the aircraft's nose to clear a fence located beyond the far end of the strip. However, the aircraft subsequently lost flying speed and settled into a field beyond the intended landing area. As the aircraft descended, the landing gear struck an irrigation pipe, causing damage to the gear.

The aircraft was not able to complete the landing on the strip and came to rest in the field. No further details about the aircraft, occupants, or injuries were provided in the source.

Damage

The landing gear sustained damage from impact with an irrigation pipe. The extent of the damage was not specified.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28429. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.