Aircraft Exited Runway and Collided with Ditch During Landing

Casualties unknown • Las Vegas, NV, US

A flight instructor and student pilot were involved in a runway excursion after an unstable approach led to the aircraft overshooting the runway end.

What happened

Following a dual instructional session, a flight was returning to its home base. The student pilot was operating the aircraft when the final approach became too low and fast. In response, the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) took control of the aircraft and performed a go-around, subsequently reentering the traffic pattern.

After explaining the errors made during the initial approach, the CFI returned control to the student. However, during the subsequent final approach, the aircraft's airspeed remained too high. Approximately 1/4 mile from the runway approach end, the CFI again assumed control of the aircraft but did not initiate a second go-around.

Instead, the CFI reduced throttle and landed the aircraft at a high airspeed. The aircraft touched down and traveled approximately 1/3 beyond the end of the runway. While attempting to stop, the aircraft exited the runway surface and collided with a ditch. There were no injuries reported.

According to the instructor, the aircraft landed with an effective direct tailwind of 6 knots; however, approach control records indicated that surface winds were a left quartering headwind.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision not to execute a go-around during an unstable approach, combined with landing at a high airspeed, resulted in the aircraft overshooting the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-02-19 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Las Vegas, NV?

A flight instructor and student pilot were involved in a runway excursion after an unstable approach led to the aircraft overshooting the runway end.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-02-19 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N303AT, operated by Proflight, Inc., at Las Vegas, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision not to execute a go-around during an unstable approach, combined with landing at a high airspeed, resulted in the aircraft overshooting the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00772. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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