Casualties unknown

Simulated Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing on Street (N4553P)

Hawthorne, CA, US

On August 13, 1991, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N4553P) operated by Gdw Construction Company was involved in an aviation accident near Hawthorne, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: OVERCONFIDENCE IN THE AIRPLANE'S ABILITY AND HIS PERSONAL ABILITY BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI), BY INTENTIONALLY SHUTTING OFF FUEL TO AN ENGINE DURING A CRITICAL PART OF FLIGHT. THE AIRCRAFT'S LACK OF SINGLE ENGINE PERFORMANCE WAS A RELATED FACTOR. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, a CFI turned off the right engine fuel selector to simulate an engine failure. After the student performed emergency procedures, the aircraft overshot the final approach, leading to a go-around. The aircraft failed to climb and was forced to land on a street, colliding with a sign and a pickup truck.

Introduction

A training flight involving a certified flight instructor (CFI) and a dual student encountered a series of events that ultimately resulted in a forced landing on a street. The aircraft came to rest after striking a sign and a pickup truck.

Sequence of Events

The CFI initiated a simulated engine failure by turning off the right engine fuel selector during the initial climb-out from the airport. In response, the dual student executed the engine-out emergency checklist, which included feathering the right engine propeller. The aircraft was not equipped with an unfeathering propeller system.

Following the emergency procedures, the CFI directed the dual student to re-enter the right traffic pattern. During the approach, the student overshot the final approach course. At that moment, the CFI observed that the left main landing gear down light was not illuminated. The CFI then assumed control of the aircraft and initiated a single-engine go-around.

The aircraft failed to climb during the go-around, prompting the CFI to choose to land on a street. Upon landing, the aircraft collided with a sign and a pickup truck before coming to rest.

Conclusion

The incident occurred during a training scenario that simulated an engine failure. The aircraft, which lacked an unfeathering system, encountered difficulties during a go-around attempt, leading to an off-airport landing. The final disposition of the aircraft involved collisions with objects on the ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17881. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.