Substantial damage to aircraft during simulated forced landing

Casualties unknown • Bozeman, MT, US

A private pilot experienced a hard landing resulting in substantial aircraft damage while performing a simulated forced landing maneuver during a flight review.

What happened

A private pilot was conducting a flight review recurrency flight when the instructor pilot requested a simulated forced landing. During the maneuver, the instructor reduced engine power to simulate an engine failure.

In an attempt to reach the approach end of the runway, the pilot stretched the glide. This action caused the airspeed to drop below the normal approach speed. While the aircraft successfully reached the runway threshold, it dropped onto the runway surface with enough force to cause substantial damage.

During the final stages of the maneuver, as the airspeed decreased below normal parameters, the instructor pilot did not apply power to assist the glide or command the termination of the simulated forced landing exercise.

Probable cause

The instructor pilot failed to add power or call for the termination of the simulated forced landing exercise after the aircraft's airspeed had slowed below normal approach speed.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-10-20 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Bozeman, MT?

A private pilot experienced a hard landing resulting in substantial aircraft damage while performing a simulated forced landing maneuver during a flight review.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-10-20 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N8078P, at Bozeman, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The instructor pilot failed to add power or call for the termination of the simulated forced landing exercise after the aircraft's airspeed had slowed below normal approach speed.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20054. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…