Casualties unknown

1997-05-26: Piper PA-28R-201 (N30563) — Pocatello, ID

Pocatello, ID, US

On May 26, 1997, a Piper PA-28R-201 (registration N30563) was involved in an aviation accident near Pocatello, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: inadequate remedial action of the pilot-in-command (CFI). Related factors include: the dual student's failure to maintain the proper airspeed and descent rate. 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

During a commercial pilot training flight, a simulated engine failure led to a hard landing after the student failed to maintain airspeed, causing distortion to the right wing skin.

Incident Summary

A training flight for a commercial pilot certificate experienced a hard landing during a simulated engine failure exercise. The flight was under the supervision of a certified flight instructor (CFI).

Sequence of Events

During the initial climb after takeoff, at approximately 150 feet above ground level, the CFI reduced the engine power to idle to simulate a full power failure. The rated student, who was receiving training toward his commercial pilot certificate, did not lower the aircraft's nose promptly enough to maintain proper airspeed. As the airspeed began to decrease, the aircraft's descent rate became excessive.

Recognizing the excessive descent rate, the CFI advanced the throttle to full power but did not take control of the aircraft from the student. The student was unable to arrest the descent rate before the aircraft impacted the runway.

The impact resulted in a hard landing that caused the top skin of the right wing to become distorted due to the force transmitted through the landing gear.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08033. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.