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Training Flight Ends in Hard Landing and Ground Loop (N32145)

Wilmington, OH, US

On April 11, 1995, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N32145) was involved in an aviation accident near Wilmington, OH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student pilot during the approach, resulting in a loss of control and hard landing. The gusty wind condition was a factor. 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

A training flight with a CFI, student pilot, and two passengers experienced a hard landing and ground loop after a left wing drop on short final. The student pilot had limited experience and the aircraft was near maximum weight with gusty crosswinds.

Accident Overview

A certified flight instructor (CFI), a student pilot (SP), and two passengers departed on a local training flight in a 150-horsepower airplane. The flight included upper airwork, followed by practice landings into the wind at one airport, before attempting crosswind landings at the departure airport.

Approach and Landing

The SP flew the first approach. On short final to runway 20, the left wing dropped. The CFI took over control at an altitude between 8 and 12 feet. The airplane landed hard, causing the main landing gear to separate, and the airplane subsequently ground looped.

Pilot Experience and Aircraft Loading

The SP had a total of 20 hours of flight time and had not flown in the preceding 90 days. Additionally, the SP had no previous experience in the accident make and model. The airplane was calculated to be 46 pounds over the maximum gross weight at the initial takeoff. At the time of the accident, the airplane was 25 pounds under the maximum weight, with the center of gravity about 1 inch forward of the aft limit. The calculated density altitude was approximately 2,600 feet.

Weather Conditions

Winds reported at a nearby airport were from 180 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 26 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Apr 1995 Piper PA-28-151 accident near Wilmington, OH?

A training flight with a CFI, student pilot, and two passengers experienced a hard landing and ground loop after a left wing drop on short final. The student pilot had limited experience and the aircraft was near maximum weight with gusty crosswinds.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Apr 1995 Piper PA-28-151 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Apr 1995 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N32145, at Wilmington, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student pilot during the approach, resulting in a loss of control and hard landing. The gusty wind condition was a factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03364. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.