Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Overcorrects on Landing, Aircraft Strikes Trees During Go-Around (N15262)

Caldwell, NJ, US

On November 29, 1992, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N15262) operated by Century Air Flight Academy was involved in an aviation accident near Caldwell, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR, AND HIS DELAY IN INITIATING A GO AROUND. 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

A dual student on a training flight overcorrected during a full stop landing, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway. The instructor initiated a go-around, but the aircraft struck trees, rotated 90 degrees, and fell to the ground.

Incident Summary

A student pilot accompanied by an instructor experienced a loss of directional control during a landing at an airport. The aircraft veered off the runway and subsequently struck trees during an attempted go-around.

Sequence of Events

The dual student had completed one full stop landing before departing the traffic pattern to practice touch-and-go landings at another airport. The student successfully performed one go-around and one touch-and-go landing. On the third landing approach to runway 22, the tower controller advised the student to make a full stop landing due to traffic pattern saturation.

Final Maneuver

During the flare and touchdown, the nose of the aircraft was slightly to the right and not aligned with the runway centerline. The instructor instructed the student to make a correction. The student overcorrected, causing the aircraft to veer off the left side of the runway. The instructor then took control of the aircraft and initiated a go-around. However, during the go-around, the aircraft struck trees, rotated 90 degrees, and fell to the ground.

Outcome

The aircraft came to rest after the ground impact. No further details about the condition of the occupants or the extent of damage are available from the provided source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Nov 1992 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Caldwell, NJ?

A dual student on a training flight overcorrected during a full stop landing, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway. The instructor initiated a go-around, but the aircraft struck trees, rotated 90 degrees, and fell to the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Nov 1992 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N15262, operated by Century Air Flight Academy, at Caldwell, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR, AND HIS DELAY IN INITIATING A GO AROUND.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16003. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.