No fatalities

Hard Landing During Training Flight Results in Wing Damage (N6008H)

Chesterfield, MO, US

On September 30, 1996, a Piper PA-28R-201 (registration N6008H) operated by D&a Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Chesterfield, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: improper flare by the dual student during the landing, and delayed remedial action by the flight instructor (CFI). 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 flight instructor and student practicing for a flight instructor renewal encountered a hard landing. The student was slow on final approach. After continuing for another circuit, post-flight inspection revealed substantial left wing damage.

Incident Overview

During a training flight for a commercial pilot to renew their flight instructor certificate, the aircraft experienced a hard landing. The flight instructor (CFI) was providing instruction to the student, who was on final approach for the second landing of the session.

Approach and Landing Sequence

The student was reported to be five to ten knots slow on final approach. The flight instructor made a verbal recommendation, which they believed may have been a prompt regarding airspeed. Approximately two to three seconds before touchdown, the instructor placed their hands on the yoke to assist the student. The aircraft subsequently touched down hard.

Post-Landing Actions and Inspection

Following the hard landing, the instructor noted no immediate indications that the aircraft was unsafe for further flight. The crew proceeded to conduct another takeoff and landing before parking the aircraft. After parking, dented skin was observed on the left wing. A subsequent examination revealed substantial damage to the left wing structure.

No information was provided regarding injuries, other damage, or the specific aircraft type.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Sept 1996 Piper PA-28R-201 accident near Chesterfield, MO?

A flight instructor and student practicing for a flight instructor renewal encountered a hard landing. The student was slow on final approach. After continuing for another circuit, post-flight inspection revealed substantial left wing damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Sept 1996 Piper PA-28R-201 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Sept 1996 involved a Piper PA-28R-201, registration N6008H, operated by D&a Aviation, at Chesterfield, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

improper flare by the dual student during the landing, and delayed remedial action by the flight instructor (CFI).

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06711. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.