Casualties unknown

Hard Landing During Touch-and-Go Practice Damages Aircraft (N4482P)

Columbus, GA, US

On July 20, 1994, a Piper PA-23-160 (registration N4482P) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbus, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE DUAL STUDENT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY FLARE THE AIRCRAFT DURING THE LANDING. FACTORS WERE THE DUSK LIGHT CONDITIONS, AND THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF 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

A student pilot, with a flight instructor on board, performed a hard landing during touch-and-go practice at dusk, causing substantial damage including bent main spars and fuel leaks.

Incident Overview

A dual student pilot, who held a private pilot certificate with a single-engine land rating, was practicing touch-and-go landings at dusk. A certificated flight instructor occupied the right seat. During the final landing of the session, the aircraft touched down with excessive force.

Damage Assessment

A post-flight inspection revealed extensive structural damage. The main spars were bent beyond repair. Fuel was observed leaking from both engine gascolators. The wing skin exhibited wrinkling. Additionally, the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was jarred from its mounting bracket and had activated.

Sequence of Events

The flight was conducted under the supervision of a flight instructor, with the student at the controls. The hard landing occurred on the last touch-and-go of the practice session. No other abnormalities were reported prior to the landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01676. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.