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Hard Landing During Emergency Landing Demonstration on CFI Checkride (N4795T)

Atchison, KS, US

On September 17, 1991, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N4795T) operated by Crouch Avaition, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Atchison, KS. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: DELAYED REMEDIAL ACTION BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT ARE A MISJUDGED APPROACH BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND, AND COMPLACENCY ON THE PART OF THE FAA INSPECTOR. 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 CFI checkride, an FAA inspector simulated an engine failure. The pilot added power at low altitude and landed hard 50 feet short of the runway.

Incident Details

A pilot undergoing a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) checkride with an FAA inspector was asked to demonstrate and describe an emergency landing procedure. The inspector reduced the throttle to idle to simulate an engine failure. The pilot initiated an approach to a runway at a nearby airport.

Sequence of Events

During the approach, after turning onto the final leg, the pilot noted that it appeared the aircraft might not reach the runway without adding power. When the aircraft was between 50 and 75 feet above ground level, the pilot increased power. Despite this, the aircraft landed hard approximately 50 feet short of the runway.

Outcome

The aircraft experienced a hard landing short of the runway. The report does not specify any injuries, damage, or further consequences.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Sept 1991 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Atchison, KS?

During a CFI checkride, an FAA inspector simulated an engine failure. The pilot added power at low altitude and landed hard 50 feet short of the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Sept 1991 Piper PA-28R-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Sept 1991 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N4795T, operated by Crouch Avaition, Inc., at Atchison, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

DELAYED REMEDIAL ACTION BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT ARE A MISJUDGED APPROACH BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND, AND COMPLACENCY ON THE PART OF THE FAA INSPECTOR.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18076. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.