Student Pilot Stall During Approach Leads to Hard Landing

Casualties unknown • Indianapolis, IN, US

A flight instructor took control of an aircraft after a student pilot's improper use of spoilers and excessive nose-down attitude induced a stall during the final approach.

What happened

During the transition from base to final approach, the aircraft was approximately 250 feet above ground level (agl). To correct the glide path, the flight instructor instructed the student pilot to deploy the 'Full' spoilers. By the time the aircraft reached approximately 100 feet agl, the student had deployed the spoilers but maintained an excessive nose-down attitude.

The instructor then directed the student to close the spoilers and raise the nose to reduce excessive airspeed. However, the student began raising the nose without first closing the spoilers. At this point, the instructor took control of the aircraft. Although the instructor closed the spoilers completely, the aircraft had already entered a stall.

To recover, the instructor reduced the angle of attack to regain airspeed and performed a flare close to the ground. The resulting landing was a hard "pancake" impact, which was forceful enough to throw the instructor against the shoulder straps and momentarily obscure their vision. Following the impact, the aircraft drifted toward the right side of the runway, where the right wing struck a runway light before the aircraft came to a complete stop.

Both occupants were not injured during the incident.

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to close the spoilers while increasing the angle of attack induced an aerodynamic stall during the final approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-07-12 Schweizer SGS 2-33A accident near Indianapolis, IN?

A flight instructor took control of an aircraft after a student pilot's improper use of spoilers and excessive nose-down attitude induced a stall during the final approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-07-12 involved a Schweizer SGS 2-33A, registration N17901, at Indianapolis, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to close the spoilers while increasing the angle of attack induced an aerodynamic stall during the final approach.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10519. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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