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Casualties unknown

Training Flight Ends in Runway Excursion After Simulated Downwind Forced Landing (N2436N)

Oakdale, CA, US

On August 20, 1994, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2436N) operated by Diamond K Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Oakdale, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 1) THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN A PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT ON THE RUNWAY, 2) HIS FAILURE TO INITIATE A TIMELY GO AROUND, AND 3) HIS INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE FLIGHT. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, an instructor simulated a power-off forced landing on downwind. The aircraft landed long, the instructor attempted a go-around, but the aircraft overran the runway and struck a canal ditch embankment.

Event Description

A student pilot reported that the flight instructor intentionally entered the traffic pattern for a downwind landing to simulate a power-off forced landing on the 3,000-foot-long runway. The instructor simulated a power loss while on downwind by either pulling the mixture control to idle cutoff or reducing the throttle.

Sequence of Events

The student stated that the aircraft landed very long on the runway. As it became apparent that insufficient runway remained to stop on the ground, the instructor added power to take off again. However, the aircraft ran off the departure end of the runway and collided with a canal ditch embankment.

Outcome

The aircraft sustained damage from the collision with the embankment. No injuries were reported in the source, and no further details about the aircraft or occupants were provided.

Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Aug 1994 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Oakdale, CA?

During a training flight, an instructor simulated a power-off forced landing on downwind. The aircraft landed long, the instructor attempted a go-around, but the aircraft overran the runway and struck a canal ditch embankment.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Aug 1994 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N2436N, operated by Diamond K Aviation, at Oakdale, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

1) THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN A PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT ON THE RUNWAY, 2) HIS FAILURE TO INITIATE A TIMELY GO AROUND, AND 3) HIS INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE FLIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02085. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.