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Training Flight Ends with Runway Light Collision After Snowbank Contact (N8315S)

Janesville, WI, US

On November 22, 1997, a Piper PA-28RT-201T (registration N8315S) was involved in an aviation accident near Janesville, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the dual student's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, and the instructor's failure to provide adequate supervision of the flight. 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 simulated engine failure training flight, the right main landing gear hit a snowbank 18 inches from the runway threshold, causing the aircraft to veer into a runway light.

Accident Details

A flight instructor and a student pilot, who also held a flight instructor certificate, were conducting a training flight in the traffic pattern. The instructor demonstrated the landing gear override function to the student while performing a simulated engine failure.

As the student turned final approach, he lowered the landing gear handle to the down position. Noticing the aircraft was too low, he added power. While adding power, the right main landing gear contacted a snowbank located 18 inches from the approach end of the runway.

The aircraft subsequently contacted the edge of the runway and veered to the right, where it struck a runway light.

No further information about the aircraft, occupants, or injuries was provided.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Nov 1997 Piper PA-28RT-201T accident near Janesville, WI?

During a simulated engine failure training flight, the right main landing gear hit a snowbank 18 inches from the runway threshold, causing the aircraft to veer into a runway light.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Nov 1997 Piper PA-28RT-201T accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Nov 1997 involved a Piper PA-28RT-201T, registration N8315S, at Janesville, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the dual student's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, and the instructor's failure to provide adequate supervision of the flight. Factors associated with the accident were: inadequate altitude, the student's diverted attention, the snowbank, and the runway light.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09153. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.