On June 4, 1989, a Piper PA-38 (registration N38329) was involved in an aviation accident near Buffalo, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: MISJUDGEMENT OF ALTITUDE AND DISTANCE BY THE STUDENT AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF FLIGHT BY THE INSTRUCTOR (CFI). CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS, HIGH VEGETATION (GRASS), AND A DITCH. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During simulated emergency landing practice, an aircraft landed short of the runway. The instructor took control and applied full power, but the aircraft settled, contacted grass, and after a gust, struck terrain.
Incident Details
While a student pilot was practicing a simulated emergency landing, it became evident that the aircraft would land short of the runway. The certified flight instructor (CFI) took control of the aircraft and added full power to initiate a go-around. Despite this, the aircraft continued to settle and contacted the grass on the overrun. The pilot reported that the grass 'dragged the airplane downward causing the main gear to contact the surface.' At approximately that time, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind, which caused it to weathervane. The aircraft then swerved to the left, contacting the terrain with the left wing, spun around, and subsequently struck a ditch.
Flight Crew Experience
The instructor had a total flight time of 369 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Jun 1989 Piper PA-38 accident near Buffalo, MN?
During simulated emergency landing practice, an aircraft landed short of the runway. The instructor took control and applied full power, but the aircraft settled, contacted grass, and after a gust, struck terrain.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Jun 1989 involved a Piper PA-38, registration N38329, at Buffalo, MN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
MISJUDGEMENT OF ALTITUDE AND DISTANCE BY THE STUDENT AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF FLIGHT BY THE INSTRUCTOR (CFI). CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS, HIGH VEGETATION (GRASS), AND A DITCH.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…