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Hard Landing and Runway Excursion During Practice Engine Failure Approach (N9622L)

Erie, CO, US

On September 29, 2000, a Grumman American AA-1B (registration N9622L) was involved in an aviation accident near Erie, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Inadequate supervision by the certified flight instructor. Factors were loss of control by the student pilot, the flight instructor's failure to properly monitor the student pilot's rate of descent on final approach, and the flight instructor's lack of recent… 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a dual instructional flight, a student pilot conducting touch-and-go landings experienced a high sink rate during a practice engine-out approach, resulting in a hard landing, bounce, and the aircraft coming to rest in a ditch beside the runway.

Incident Details

A dual instructional flight was in progress with a student pilot practicing touch-and-go landings. The flight instructor directed the student to perform a practice engine-out approach to landing. During the final approach, an elevated sink rate developed. The aircraft landed hard, bounced, then departed the runway and came to rest in an adjacent ditch.

Aircraft Damage

The hard landing resulted in damage to both wings, all landing gear components, and the propeller.

Pilot Experience

The student pilot had accumulated a total of 27 hours of flight experience. The flight instructor held 56 hours of experience in the same make and model but had not flown that specific type in the preceding 90 days.

Environmental Conditions

The accident occurred during daylight hours. Meteorological conditions included wind from the north at 3 knots, clear skies, and a density altitude of 8,200 feet. The landing attempts were directed to runway 15.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Sept 2000 Grumman American AA-1B accident near Erie, CO?

During a dual instructional flight, a student pilot conducting touch-and-go landings experienced a high sink rate during a practice engine-out approach, resulting in a hard landing, bounce, and the aircraft coming to rest in a ditch beside the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Sept 2000 Grumman American AA-1B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Sept 2000 involved a Grumman American AA-1B, registration N9622L, at Erie, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Inadequate supervision by the certified flight instructor. Factors were loss of control by the student pilot, the flight instructor's failure to properly monitor the student pilot's rate of descent on final approach, and the flight instructor's lack of recent experience in make and model.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21963. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.