FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Hard Landing During Simulated Power Loss Leads to Runway Excursion (N6555R)

Pagosa Springs, CO, US

On February 8, 2003, a Beech C23 (registration N6555R) was involved in an aviation accident near Pagosa Springs, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. Contributing factors were the student pilot's improper flare, the instructor's inadequate remedial actions, and terrain conditions. 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 an instructional flight, a simulated power loss led to a hard landing. The aircraft drifted left, exited the runway, and sustained landing gear damage.

Event Description

After takeoff and climbing to about 60 feet, the flight instructor simulated an engine power loss by reducing the throttle to idle. The student pilot executed a hard landing, after which the airplane began to drift left. The instructor took over control but could not realign the airplane with the runway. The aircraft departed the left side of the runway, causing the left wheel to separate. Subsequently, the airplane crossed a small ditch, which sheared off the landing gear.

Damage

The left wheel broke off during the runway excursion, and the landing gear was sheared off when crossing the ditch.

Details

The flight was an instructional session. No further details about the aircraft, location, or occupants were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Feb 2003 Beech C23 accident near Pagosa Springs, CO?

During an instructional flight, a simulated power loss led to a hard landing. The aircraft drifted left, exited the runway, and sustained landing gear damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Feb 2003 Beech C23 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Feb 2003 involved a Beech C23, registration N6555R, at Pagosa Springs, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. Contributing factors were the student pilot's improper flare, the instructor's inadequate remedial actions, and terrain conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030211X00195. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.