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Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Lands Hard to Right of Runway During Instructed Approach (N15109)

Westhampton Bch, NY, US

On May 25, 1992, a Piper PA-34-200 (registration N15109) operated by Dedalos Flight School was involved in an aviation accident near Westhampton Bch, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE LANDING FLARE WHICH RESULTED IN A HARD LANDING. CONTRIBUTING WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION. 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 training flight, a student pilot executing an approach reduced power to idle and selected full flaps on short final. The instructor noted high descent rate and took control, but the airplane veered right and landed hard off the runway.

Approach and Landing

During a training flight, the student pilot realized the airplane was too high on approach. The student reduced the engine power to idle and selected full flaps while on short final. The instructor observed that the airspeed was between 80 and 85 miles per hour, and the descent rate was approximately 1000 feet per minute.

Instructor Intervention

The instructor expected the student to add power to arrest the descent rate. Instead, the student began an early roundout. The instructor reported taking control of the airplane and advancing the throttles. Subsequently, the airplane abruptly veered to the right.

Landing Outcome

The airplane then landed hard about 100 feet to the right of the runway, approximately 1000 feet past the runway threshold. No further information was provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, date, location, occupants, injuries, or damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 May 1992 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Westhampton Bch, NY?

During a training flight, a student pilot executing an approach reduced power to idle and selected full flaps on short final. The instructor noted high descent rate and took control, but the airplane veered right and landed hard off the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 May 1992 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N15109, operated by Dedalos Flight School, at Westhampton Bch, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE LANDING FLARE WHICH RESULTED IN A HARD LANDING. CONTRIBUTING WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14601. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.