Structural damage to aircraft following hard touchdown at Livermore

Casualties unknown • Livermore, CA, US

A student pilot's abrupt throttle reduction during a touch-and-go maneuver led to a hard landing, resulting in discovered damage to the left main wing spar.

What happened

During touch-and-go pattern operations on runway 7L at the Livermore airport, a student pilot was performing maneuvers under the supervision of a flight instructor. According to the instructor, the student flared the aircraft approximately 8 to 10 feet above the runway surface and then abruptly reduced the throttle. This action resulted in a very hard touchdown.

Following the impact, the aircraft bounced, at which point the instructor took control of the aircraft and successfully initiated a go-around. After the landing, the pilot performed an evaluation of the aircraft systems to check for potential damage. Finding no apparent issues, the flight continued to the Oakland airport for refueling. It was only after arriving at Oakland that the pilot noticed damage to the left propeller. Subsequent inspection by maintenance personnel revealed damage to the left main wing spar.

Probable cause

The student pilot's abrupt reduction of throttle during the flare resulted in a hard touchdown and subsequent structural damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-10-26 Beech 76 accident near Livermore, CA?

A student pilot's abrupt throttle reduction during a touch-and-go maneuver led to a hard landing, resulting in discovered damage to the left main wing spar.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-10-26 involved a Beech 76, registration N6626X, operated by Sierra Academy OF Aeronautics, at Livermore, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's abrupt reduction of throttle during the flare resulted in a hard touchdown and subsequent structural damage.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13603. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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