Casualties unknown

1989-08-14: Piper PA-34-200 (N16LL) — Dan Weltzien — Wadsworth, OH

Wadsworth, OH, US

On August 14, 1989, a Piper PA-34-200 (registration N16LL) operated by Dan Weltzien was involved in an aviation accident near Wadsworth, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE FLIGHT BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND (CFI) WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. 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

During a personal flight, the aircraft veered left after touchdown. The student pilot, seated at the left-side brakes, reported no braking. No brake malfunction was found. The CFI had limited multi-engine experience.

Accident Description

A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were conducting a personal flight in an aircraft equipped with pedal brakes on the left side only; the parking brake was accessible to both pilots. The CFI allowed the student to occupy the left front seat, where he would be responsible for operating the normal brakes. During the approach to landing, the CFI reminded the student that the brakes were on his side.

The CFI reported flying the airplane at normal approach speeds and slowing it down on touchdown so that braking would be minimal. The approach was normal until touchdown, when the aircraft began pulling to the left as if the left brake had locked. The CFI instructed the student to "get off the brake," and the student indicated that he had not applied braking.

The aircraft slid sideways, causing the left main landing gear to collapse. Subsequently, the left wing struck the tire of another aircraft.

Post-Accident Examination

An examination of the brakes revealed no sign of a malfunction. The system appeared to have been operating normally, and no mechanical issues were identified.

Pilot Experience

The CFI had just received his multi-engine rating on July 23, 1989. At the time of the accident, he had accumulated only 40 hours of multi-engine flight time, of which 23 hours were in the same make and model of aircraft as the accident airplane.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29080. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.