Casualties unknown

Training Flight: Wing Strikes Water During Simulated Engine Failure (N9843Q)

Butte Des Mort, WI, US

On July 20, 1994, a Piper PA-18-135 (registration N9843Q) operated by Pro-aire Training was involved in an aviation accident near Butte Des Mort, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A DELAYED REMEDIAL ACTION BY THE INSTRUCTOR. A FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT WAS A PROPER AIRSPEED NOT BEING ATTAINED BY THE DUAL STUDENT. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a training exercise, a student pilot failed to pitch the nose down after a simulated engine failure. The instructor intervened, but the left wing struck the water as power was applied, causing wing damage.

Incident Overview

A training flight practicing power-off approaches ended with a wing striking the water after a simulated engine failure. The instructor reported that the student did not lower the aircraft's nose to achieve the proper glide speed during the maneuver.

Instructor's Account

According to the instructor, the student was practicing power-off approaches when the instructor simulated an engine failure. The student failed to pitch the airplane's nose down to attain the proper glide speed. The instructor stated that he told the student to pitch the nose down twice before taking control of the airplane. As he took control, the instructor applied full power. At that moment, the aircraft's left wing collided with the water.

Aircraft Damage

Following the wing strike, the aircraft turned approximately 180 degrees but remained upright on its floats. The left wing sustained damage from the impact with the water.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01705. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.