On February 3, 2000, a Beech A36 (registration N8240U) was involved in an aviation accident near Farmington, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's excessive remedial action (banking to realign the airplane with the runway). Factors were the student pilot flaring the airplane prematurely and failing to maintain directional control, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A flight instructor simulated a power failure for a student pilot. The student flared high, added power, banked left, and landed hard on the left main gear, causing a bounce. The instructor took control and landed safely. Postaccident inspection revealed wingtip, aileron, and rear spar damage.
Incident Overview
During a training flight, a flight instructor retarded the throttle on downwind to simulate a power failure, preparing the student pilot for a first solo flight. The instructor reported that the student flared the airplane high over the runway. In response, the student added power to adjust the sink rate and banked left 'to return to the centerline.' The airplane then landed hard on the left main gear and bounced. The flight instructor took control, aborted the landing, performed a go-around, and subsequently landed uneventfully.
Aircraft Damage
A postaccident inspection revealed damage to the wingtip, aileron, and rear spar. No other damage was reported.
Personnel
The flight involved a student pilot and a flight instructor. No injuries were mentioned in the source.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Feb 2000 Beech A36 accident near Farmington, NM?
A flight instructor simulated a power failure for a student pilot. The student flared high, added power, banked left, and landed hard on the left main gear, causing a bounce. The instructor took control and landed safely. Postaccident inspection revealed wingtip, aileron, and rear spar damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Feb 2000 Beech A36 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Feb 2000 involved a Beech A36, registration N8240U, at Farmington, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's excessive remedial action (banking to realign the airplane with the runway). Factors were the student pilot flaring the airplane prematurely and failing to maintain directional control, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student.