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Casualties unknown

Simulated Forced Landing Ends in Stall Short of Runway (N1514X)

Gaithersburg, MD, US

On May 15, 2003, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N1514X) was involved in an aviation accident near Gaithersburg, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed, resulting in an inadvertent stall. 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 simulated forced landing, the airplane stalled and descended into a grass field short of the runway, coming to rest upright. The pilot had added power as airspeed dropped, but a loss of headwind was suspected.

Incident Overview

On the final approach leg of a simulated forced landing, the airspeed began to decrease to 70 mph. In response, the pilot added power. However, approximately one-quarter mile short of the runway, the airspeed further decreased to 60 mph. The pilot later indicated that this reduction was presumably due to the loss of a 10-knot headwind. At that point, the airplane stalled.

Sequence of Events

The airplane subsequently descended into a grass field, coming to rest upright. The recorded wind at a nearby airport around the time of the incident was from 040 degrees at 5 knots. No other details were provided in the source regarding the aircraft type, registration, or any injuries.

Loss of control in flightAerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 May 2003 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Gaithersburg, MD?

During a simulated forced landing, the airplane stalled and descended into a grass field short of the runway, coming to rest upright. The pilot had added power as airspeed dropped, but a loss of headwind was suspected.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 May 2003 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N1514X, at Gaithersburg, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed, resulting in an inadvertent stall.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030522X00718. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.