Casualties unknown

1996-08-21: Beech C-23 (N18780) — General Aviation Services — Eden Prairie, MN

Eden Prairie, MN, US

On August 21, 1996, a Beech C-23 (registration N18780) operated by General Aviation Services was involved in an aviation accident near Eden Prairie, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the instructor pilot delayed the remedial action and failed to maintain adequate supervision. The slow airspeed maintained by the student pilot was a factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 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

During short field takeoff and landing practice at Flying Cloud Airport, a student pilot's approach became slow; instructor's go-around attempt resulted in a hard landing that bent the left wing spar.

Accident Details

An instructor pilot and a student were practicing short field takeoffs and landings. They had completed some at another airstrip and returned to Flying Cloud Airport for two more. On the first approach, the student allowed the airspeed to become too slow. The instructor attempted to take control and recover the situation by lowering the nose to gain airspeed and execute a go-around.

Accident Sequence

The instructor pilot reported that the student let the airspeed get too slow during the approach. The instructor intervened, lowering the nose to increase airspeed and initiate a go-around. However, the airplane landed hard on the main landing gear. The impact bent the left wing spar.

The event occurred during a training flight focused on short field techniques. The instructor stated that the student's airspeed decay was the precipitating factor in the hard landing. Despite the instructor's corrective actions, the aircraft contacted the ground heavily, resulting in structural damage to the wing spar.

No other damage or injuries were reported by the instructor. The extent of the damage was limited to the bent left wing spar. The instructor provided the report of the incident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06474. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.