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Flight Instructor Reports Loss of Lift During Landing Flare (N9221T)

Southern Pines, NC, US

On March 22, 1997, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N9221T) was involved in an aviation accident near Southern Pines, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's improper landing flare and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the training flight, which led to a hard landing. 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

During a training flight, a student pilot's landing flare led to a loss of lift, causing the aircraft to drop onto the runway where the left main landing gear collapsed.

Accident Description

According to the flight instructor (CFI), a student pilot was flying the airplane when the accident occurred. The CFI stated that the approach was the last one for that flight and remained stable until the airplane passed the runway threshold. As the student initiated the landing flare, the instructor recalled that the airplane felt as if it had stopped flying. In an attempt to recover from this condition, the CFI applied additional engine power, but the effort was unsuccessful. The airplane then dropped approximately 15 feet onto the runway, causing the left main landing gear to collapse.

Examination

Following the accident, an examination of the airplane was conducted. No mechanical malfunction was found, and the CFI did not report any problems with the airplane prior to the event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Mar 1997 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Southern Pines, NC?

During a training flight, a student pilot's landing flare led to a loss of lift, causing the aircraft to drop onto the runway where the left main landing gear collapsed.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Mar 1997 Piper PA-38-112 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Mar 1997 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N9221T, at Southern Pines, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's improper landing flare and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the training flight, which led to a hard landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07494. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.