Casualties unknown

2007-01-12: Beech A36 (N8183E) — Farmington, NM

Farmington, NM, US

On January 12, 2007, a Beech A36 (registration N8183E) was involved in an aviation accident near Farmington, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: This mishap was primarily a function of the student flaring high…and running out of airspeed, causing a stall. The high flare was compounded by the gusty crosswind conditions and not taking timely, positive action to go around. 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 practice instrument approach, a student pilot flared too high, leading to airspeed decay and a stall warning. A gust of wind lifted the left wing, causing the right wing to strike the runway. The instructor took control and landed.

Incident Overview

A pilot-rated dual student and flight instructor were on final approach to land after completing a practice instrument approach. The student was flying the aircraft. According to statements from both the instructor and the student, the student initiated the landing flare too high above the runway and allowed the nose of the airplane to become excessively elevated.

Instructor Intervention

The flight instructor instructed the student to lower the nose and assisted in slightly reducing the nose-up attitude. As the student continued the approach and reduced engine power, the airspeed continued to deteriorate until the stall warning horn activated.

Wing Strike and Recovery

Prior to touchdown, a gust of wind raised the left wing, causing the right wing to strike the runway. The flight instructor then took control of the aircraft and completed the landing.

Recommendations

In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report submitted by the instructor and the student, the recommendation section noted: "This mishap was primarily a function of the student flaring high…and running out of airspeed, causing a stall. The high flare was compounded by the gusty crosswind conditions and not taking timely, positive action to go around."

Probable cause

This mishap was primarily a function of the student flaring high…and running out of airspeed, causing a stall. The high flare was compounded by the gusty crosswind conditions and not taking timely, positive action to go around.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070129X00099. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.