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Student Pilot and CFI Involved in Runway Excursion During Touch-and-Go Practice (N9103A)

Milwaukee, WI, US

On July 24, 1989, a Piper PA38-112 (registration N9103A) operated by Oulton, Frederick was involved in an aviation accident near Milwaukee, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: STUDENT PILOT'S MISJUDGED AIRCRAFT HANDLING DURING THE LANDING FLARE/TOUCHDOWN, AND THE CFI'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE OPERATION. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a dual instructional flight practicing takeoffs and landings, a student pilot flared too high. The CFI waited for corrective action, but the student failed to act. The aircraft contacted the runway abruptly, veered left, and struck a VASI light structure.

Pilot Experience

The student pilot had accumulated approximately 25 hours of total flight time at the time of the accident. The flight was being conducted under the supervision of a certified flight instructor (CFI).

Flight Details

The instructional flight was dual, meaning the student and CFI were both aboard. The purpose was to practice takeoffs and landings in preparation for the student's first solo flight.

Accident Sequence

During the landing attempt, the student pilot reportedly flared too high. The CFI stated that he waited for the student to take corrective action, but the student failed to do so. Subsequently, the aircraft contacted the runway abruptly. Following the hard contact, the aircraft departed the left side of the runway, skidded into a Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) light structure, and then came to a stop.

Aftermath

The aircraft came to a stop after striking the VASI light. No further information about injuries or aircraft damage was provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jul 1989 Piper PA38-112 accident near Milwaukee, WI?

During a dual instructional flight practicing takeoffs and landings, a student pilot flared too high. The CFI waited for corrective action, but the student failed to act. The aircraft contacted the runway abruptly, veered left, and struck a VASI light structure.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Jul 1989 Piper PA38-112 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jul 1989 involved a Piper PA38-112, registration N9103A, operated by Oulton, Frederick, at Milwaukee, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

STUDENT PILOT'S MISJUDGED AIRCRAFT HANDLING DURING THE LANDING FLARE/TOUCHDOWN, AND THE CFI'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE OPERATION. THESE RESULTED IN AN ABRUPT TOUCHDOWN, A SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, AND THE AIRCRAFT'S COLLISION WITH THE VASI LIGHT STRUCTURES.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28784. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.