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CFI's Power-Off Spot Landing Results in Aircraft Damage

Dowagiac, MI, United States

On May 11, 2011, a BEECH B24R was involved in an aviation accident near Dowagiac, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's failure to maintain an appropriate glide path and airspeed during the landing approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a flight lesson, a CFI's second attempt at a power-off spot landing resulted in the aircraft dropping into sod, causing landing gear and wing separation. No mechanical issues were reported.

Incident Overview

A certified flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating a power-off spot landing to a dual student, who held a commercial pilot certificate and was observing the maneuver. The CFI made an initial attempt at the landing, but executed a go-around because the airplane would not have reached the runway.

Second Attempt and Outcome

On the second attempt, the CFI aimed for the 1,000-foot runway markings but realized the airplane would not reach them. However, he believed it would reach the runway surface. When the airplane was approximately 30 feet from the runway end and 10 feet above the ground, the CFI began adding engine power. The airplane then "dropped into the sod."

Structural Damage

The impact caused the left landing gear to separate from the wing, and the left wing subsequently separated from the fuselage. The CFI reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft.

Safety Context

No further information regarding injuries, environmental conditions, or air traffic control involvement was provided in the source material.

Contributing factors

Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedAirspeed — Not attained/maintainedInstructor/check pilot

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 May 2011 BEECH B24R accident near Dowagiac, MI?

During a flight lesson, a CFI's second attempt at a power-off spot landing resulted in the aircraft dropping into sod, causing landing gear and wing separation. No mechanical issues were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 May 2011 BEECH B24R accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 May 2011 involved a BEECH B24R, at Dowagiac, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight instructor's failure to maintain an appropriate glide path and airspeed during the landing approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

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