Casualties unknown

2000-06-18: Piper PA-38 (N407DS) — Cheswold, DE

Cheswold, DE, US

On June 18, 2000, a Piper PA-38 (registration N407DS) was involved in an aviation accident near Cheswold, DE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructor's delayed remedial action. Factors included the instructor's failure to take positive control of the airplane, and the student's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a visual pattern approach, a student pilot reduced power, causing airspeed loss and sink. The instructor initiated a go-around at 200 ft, but control conflict led to the left main gear entangling in grass. The airplane yawed left, impacted ground, and stopped 20-30 ft short of the runway.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft was on the final approach segment of a visual traffic pattern, with a student pilot at the controls. The student reduced engine power, causing the airspeed to decrease and the airplane to begin sinking. The flight instructor advised the student to monitor airspeed, but no corrective action was taken.

When the airplane reached approximately 200 feet above ground level, the instructor initiated a go-around. During this maneuver, the instructor perceived that the student pushed forward on the controls while the instructor was simultaneously applying aft control input and adding power.

Ground Impact

During the go-around, the airplane's left main landing gear became entangled in tall grass and brush. The aircraft then yawed to the left and struck the ground. It skidded sideways before coming to rest 20 to 30 feet short of the runway threshold.

The accident sequence involved no known mechanical malfunctions; the aircraft's handling characteristics were consistent with the control inputs described.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21313. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.