Casualties unknown

2000-05-30: Piper PA-44-180T (N8303P) — Aspen Flying Club — Englewood, CO

Englewood, CO, US

On May 30, 2000, a Piper PA-44-180T (registration N8303P) operated by Aspen Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Englewood, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In-flight planning and decision by the flight instructor by allowing the student to fly into a hazardous situation. Factors were the flight instructor delaying extending the landing gear and delaying a go-around. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During an instructional flight practicing an engine-out approach, the student pilot did not lower the landing gear. The tower requested gear verification, and the instructor initiated a go-around on short final. The aircraft touched down with gear retracted on grass beside the runway, damaging propellers and the hull. Post-accident engine examination found no preimpact failure.

Incident Overview

An instructional flight was conducting practice maneuvers involving an engine-out approach to landing. During the approach, the student pilot did not extend the landing gear. The air traffic control tower requested that the pilot verify the gear position ('verify gear down'). In response, the flight instructor initiated a go-around while the aircraft was on short final approach.

Sequence of Events

Despite the go-around attempt, the aircraft settled and touched down with the landing gear still retracted. The landing occurred on the grass area adjacent to the runway. The impact caused damage to the propellers and the underside of the aircraft hull.

Examination Findings

The flight instructor reported that the engines failed to respond during the go-around. However, a post-accident examination of the engines conducted by an FAA airworthiness inspector revealed no evidence of preimpact malfunction or failure. The inspector's findings indicated that the engines were capable of normal operation at the time of the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20984. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.