Hard Landing During Student Flight Training

Casualties unknown • Westhampton Bch, NY, US

A student pilot's attempt to correct a high approach resulted in a hard landing approximately 100 feet right of the runway during a training flight.

What happened

During the final approach phase of a training flight, the student pilot realized the aircraft was too high. In an attempt to descend, the student reduced power to idle and deployed full flaps while on short final.

The instructor observed that the airspeed had dropped to between 80 and 85 mph and the descent rate had increased to approximately 1,000 feet per minute. While the instructor expected the student to add power to arrest this descent, the student instead initiated an early roundout.

Upon noticing the situation, the instructor took control of the aircraft and advanced the throttles. Despite this intervention, the airplane abruptly veered to the right. The aircraft subsequently made a hard landing approximately 1,000 feet past the runway threshold, coming to rest about 100 feet to the right of the runway. There were no injuries reported.

Probable cause

The student pilot's decision to perform an early roundout following a high approach and excessive descent rate, combined with the instructor's attempt to correct the flight path, led to the aircraft veering right and landing hard off the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-05-25 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Westhampton Bch, NY?

A student pilot's attempt to correct a high approach resulted in a hard landing approximately 100 feet right of the runway during a training flight.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-05-25 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 student pilot's decision to perform an early roundout following a high approach and excessive descent rate, combined with the instructor's attempt to correct the flight path, led to the aircraft veering right and landing hard off the runway.

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