Stall and spin accident during tailwheel training

Casualties unknown • Andover, NJ, US

A flight instructor and student pilot were involved in a wing strike accident following an intentional engine failure simulation during tailwheel endorsement training.

What happened

During a flight intended for tailwheel endorsement training, a private pilot was performing maneuvers after completing a landing. The aircraft had climbed to 600 feet before turning into a crosswind. At an altitude of 700 feet, the flight instructor reduced power to simulate an engine failure scenario.

During this simulation, the student pilot continued to pull the nose up. Despite the flight instructor providing three separate verbal commands to keep the nose down, the student pilot turned the aircraft 90 degrees toward the airstrip. The aircraft's airspeed and altitude decreased excessively, prompting the flight instructor to take control of the aircraft.

As the instructor took command, the Cessna (type not specified in source) stalled and entered a right spin. The instructor successfully recovered from the spin at approximately 30 feet above the ground. After applying power, the instructor identified trees directly ahead and executed a steep turn to avoid them. During the rollout of this maneuver, the left wing of the aircraft impacted the ground, resulting in no fatalities but causing damage to the aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude during an engine failure simulation led to a stall and spin, followed by a wing strike during an evasive maneuver to avoid trees.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-07-07 Piper J3-C65 accident near Andover, NJ?

A flight instructor and student pilot were involved in a wing strike accident following an intentional engine failure simulation during tailwheel endorsement training.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-07-07 involved a Piper J3-C65, registration N9264, at Andover, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude during an engine failure simulation led to a stall and spin, followed by a wing strike during an evasive maneuver to avoid trees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020718X01159. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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