Casualties unknown

1996-11-14: Beech F33A (N1567P) — Marana, AZ

Marana, AZ, US

On November 14, 1996, a Beech F33A (registration N1567P) was involved in an aviation accident near Marana, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: improper planning/decision by the flight instructor (CFI), which resulted in his failure to recover from a descent during demonstration of a simulated (engine-out) emergency procedure. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A flight instructor demonstrating an engine failure procedure during takeoff climb at Avra Valley Airport led to a hard landing, nose gear collapse, and slide. Density altitude was calculated at 3,892 feet.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor reported that after completing air work, the flight proceeded to Avra Valley Airport. Two touch-and-go landings were performed, followed by a full stop landing. The student then taxied the aircraft back for takeoff, at which point the instructor assumed control to demonstrate procedures for an engine failure during the initial climb.

Sequence of Events

Following a high performance takeoff, the instructor stated that the airplane climbed to an altitude of 50 to 100 feet above ground level (AGL). At that point, the instructor smoothly reduced the throttle to idle and lowered the nose below level pitch. The airplane began to descend rapidly, and the instructor realized the sink rate was quite large. Full throttle was applied and the nose was raised in an attempt to reduce the sink rate. The airplane then impacted the ground in an approximately level attitude. The nose gear collapsed, and the airplane slid to a stop over a distance of approximately a few hundred feet.

Environmental Conditions

The temperature at the time was reported to be 81 degrees Fahrenheit. Based on this temperature and the estimated pressure altitude, the density altitude was calculated to be 3,892 feet.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07071. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.