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Training Flight Incident During Forced Landing Drill (N2598Q)

Hopedale, MA, US

On March 27, 1994, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N2598Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Hopedale, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the certified flight instructor's delay in taking remedial action by not initiating the go-around, resulting in the in-flight collision with the tree. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, a student pilot executed a slip to lose altitude after a forced landing drill, then initiated a go-around that resulted in a tree strike. The instructor took over and landed safely.

Incident Overview

A training flight involving a rated student pilot (RSP) and a certified flight instructor (CFI) was conducted to allow the RSP to build flight time. After departure, the flight continued for approximately 30 minutes in the local area.

Forced Landing Drill

During the return to the airport, while on a long final approach to the runway, the CFI presented the RSP with a simulated forced landing scenario. The RSP assessed that the airplane was too high relative to the runway and initiated a slip to lose altitude. After the slip, the RSP returned to a normal glide configuration and determined that the airplane was below an acceptable glide path to reach the runway.

Go-Around and Tree Strike

The RSP initiated a go-around. During this maneuver, the airplane struck a tree. The CFI then took control of the airplane, completed a 360-degree turn, and landed the airplane without further incident.

Conclusion

The flight ended with the CFI safely landing the airplane after the tree strike. No further details regarding damage, injuries, or the aircraft's condition were provided in the source.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Mar 1994 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Hopedale, MA?

During a training flight, a student pilot executed a slip to lose altitude after a forced landing drill, then initiated a go-around that resulted in a tree strike. The instructor took over and landed safely.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Mar 1994 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N2598Q, at Hopedale, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the certified flight instructor's delay in taking remedial action by not initiating the go-around, resulting in the in-flight collision with the tree.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00985. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.