Casualties unknown

1996-06-14: Piper PA-44 (N853ND) — Grand Forks, ND

Grand Forks, ND, US

On June 14, 1996, a Piper PA-44 (registration N853ND) was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Forks, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the instructor pilot used an improper procedure when he demonstrated a rejected takeoff and he misjudged the flare. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An instructor attempted to demonstrate a rejected takeoff on final approach instead of during takeoff roll, resulting in a high descent rate and stall horn activation before runway impact.

Maneuver Initiation

During a training flight, an instructor attempted to demonstrate a rejected takeoff maneuver. Rather than initiating the maneuver during the takeoff roll, he began the procedure while on final approach to the runway. The instructor entered the maneuver from an altitude of 150 feet above ground level (AGL) at an indicated airspeed of 70 to 80 knots.

Maneuver Execution

As the airplane crossed the runway threshold, the instructor reduced power on both engines to idle and applied forward elevator control, establishing a descent for landing. He began to 'round the airplane out' approximately 30 to 50 feet above the runway. The descent rate was too high, so he continued to increase pitch. The instructor reported that the stall horn sounded 'only milliseconds' before the airplane impacted the runway.

Instructor Remarks

The instructor stated that the demonstration he performed of a rejected takeoff was not a recognized or an approved maneuver. He further reported that he had never had this maneuver demonstrated to him.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05927. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.