Casualties unknown

1992-06-19: Piper PA-38-112 (N24611) — Bryan Aviation Inc. — Bryan, TX

Bryan, TX, US

On June 19, 1992, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N24611) operated by Bryan Aviation Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Bryan, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructor improperly decided that sufficient runway remained to abort the landing. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During touch-and-go landing practice, a student pilot was high and fast on approach. The instructor improperly decided to abort despite insufficient runway, causing the left main gear to strike a 12-inch barrier and separate. Substantial damage occurred.

Incident

A student pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings in preparation for a second supervised solo. On the second approach, the student was high and fast. The instructor pilot observed the approach and decided to stand by and see what the student would do. He realized the airplane would touch down long on the runway.

Sequence of Events

Upon touchdown, the instructor improperly concluded that sufficient runway remained to abort the landing. He executed a short field takeoff. During liftoff, the left main landing gear struck a 12-inch high barrier located at the end of the runway. The gear separated from the airplane, which continued to climb out.

After the gear separation, the instructor performed a low pass to assess which parts had separated. He then landed the airplane. During the landing roll, the airplane veered left and departed the runway.

Damage

Substantial damage was sustained to the fuselage and the empennage when the gear separated during the aborted landing.

Probable cause

The instructor improperly decided that sufficient runway remained to abort the landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14882. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.