Student Pilot Loses Control During Touch-and-Go Practice

Casualties unknown • Bessemer, AL, US

A dual student pilot released control during landing roll, causing the aircraft to leave the runway and strike trees in a ravine.

What happened

The incident occurred while a certified flight instructor and a dual student were conducting practice touch-and-go landings at an airport. During the landing roll phase of one such attempt, the dual student released the flight controls. The certified flight instructor was unable to regain control before the airplane veered off the right side of the runway. The aircraft then rolled down a ravine into a wooded area and collided with trees.

The investigation

The official report does not provide detailed mechanical findings or inspection results beyond the narrative of the event. No specific maintenance issues were cited in the provided text.

Findings

The primary factor contributing to the accident was the dual student releasing the flight controls during the landing roll. This action prevented the certified flight instructor from maintaining directional control, leading to the runway excursion and subsequent collision with terrain and vegetation.

Probable cause

The dual student's release of the flight controls during the landing roll, which resulted in the loss of directional control by the certified flight instructor.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-07-25 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Bessemer, AL?

A dual student pilot released control during landing roll, causing the aircraft to leave the runway and strike trees in a ravine.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-07-25 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N9167T, at Bessemer, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The dual student's release of the flight controls during the landing roll, which resulted in the loss of directional control by the certified flight instructor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06161. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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