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Instructional Flight Takeoff Aborted After Simulated Engine Failure Results in Runway Excursion

Plaquemine, LA, United States

On May 31, 2008, a Piper Seneca operated by William M. Nuttall was involved in an aviation accident near Plaquemine, LA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The certified flight instructor's poor decision to simulate a loss of engine on takeoff with a wet runway and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was the dew covered runway surface and the ditch. This summary draws on records from NTSB.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During an instructional takeoff from a dew-wet grass strip, a CFI simulated engine failure; the pilot aborted, but the aircraft slid off the runway into a ditch, causing structural damage.

Accident

The private pilot reported to FAA personnel that he was on an instructional flight with a certified flight instructor. The takeoff was being conducted from a 2600-foot-long by 80-foot-wide grass airstrip, which was wet with dew. During the initial takeoff roll at approximately 40 knots, the flight instructor pulled the left throttle to idle to simulate the loss of an engine. In response, the pilot aborted the takeoff by pulling the right throttle back and applying the wheel brakes. The airplane subsequently slid off the side of the runway into an adjacent field and struck a ditch.

Aircraft Damage

Examination of the airplane following the accident revealed that the left wing had pulled forward, separating the trailing edge from the fuselage by approximately 1.5 inches and buckling the fuselage at the leading edge. No other damage was noted or reported.

Contributing factors

Instructor/check pilotContributed to outcomePilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 May 2008 Piper Seneca accident near Plaquemine, LA?

During an instructional takeoff from a dew-wet grass strip, a CFI simulated engine failure; the pilot aborted, but the aircraft slid off the runway into a ditch, causing structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 May 2008 Piper Seneca accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 May 2008 involved a Piper Seneca, operated by William M. Nuttall, at Plaquemine, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The certified flight instructor's poor decision to simulate a loss of engine on takeoff with a wet runway and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was the dew covered runway surface and the ditch.

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