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Casualties unknown

Nose-Down Landing During Practice Short Field Approach (N7174R)

Durant, OK, US

On March 31, 1990, a Piper PA28-140 (registration N7174R) was involved in an aviation accident near Durant, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED (VSO) AND SUBSEQUENT STALL OF THE AIRCRAFT AT AN ALTITUDE FROM WHICH RECOVERY WAS NOT POSSIBLE. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PROCEDURES FOR THE LANDING APPROACH. 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 practice short field landing from an NDB approach, a newly certificated private pilot experienced a sudden nose-down pitch at 15-20 feet AGL, resulting in a nose-first impact and collapsed landing gear.

Summary

A newly certificated private pilot was conducting a practice short field landing as part of a practice NDB approach. According to a second pilot on board, the aircraft suddenly pitched nose-down at approximately 15 to 20 feet above ground level (AGL) while over the runway threshold. The aircraft then struck the runway nose-first, causing the landing gear to collapse aft.

Details

The pilot reported that he had trimmed the aircraft to a 'fairly nose high attitude' and attempted to recover from the ensuing descent by pulling the control yoke aft. The second pilot noted that the airspeed was approximately 65 knots during the last observation on short final. No further information was provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, or injuries.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Mar 1990 Piper PA28-140 accident near Durant, OK?

During a practice short field landing from an NDB approach, a newly certificated private pilot experienced a sudden nose-down pitch at 15-20 feet AGL, resulting in a nose-first impact and collapsed landing gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Mar 1990 involved a Piper PA28-140, registration N7174R, at Durant, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED (VSO) AND SUBSEQUENT STALL OF THE AIRCRAFT AT AN ALTITUDE FROM WHICH RECOVERY WAS NOT POSSIBLE. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PROCEDURES FOR THE LANDING APPROACH.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22726. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.