No fatalities

Simulated Engine Failure Landing Results in Runway Excursion and Landing Gear Collapse

Wadsworth, OH, United States

On May 31, 2016, a PIPER PA24 260 was involved in an aviation accident near Wadsworth, OH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent power reduction during landing, which resulted in a runway undershoot, collision with the runway threshold, nose and right main landing gear collapse, and runway excursion. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a biennial flight review, a pilot-instructor team executed a simulated engine power loss landing that led to a short final pitch-up, inadvertent power reduction, and a grass touchdown before the runway threshold, collapsing the nose and right main landing gear and causing substantial wing damage.

Incident Overview

The pilot reported that during a biennial flight review, the flight instructor requested a simulated loss of engine power landing while in the traffic pattern. On the base leg, the crew determined they would not reach the runway, so power was added to complete a normal landing. While on short final, the flight instructor called for more power, resulting in a pitch-up attitude. The pilot reacted by pitching the airplane's nose down but inadvertently reduced power to idle.

Sequence of Events

The airplane continued to sink and touched down in the grass a few feet prior to the runway threshold. This resulted in a collision with the runway threshold. The nose and right main landing gear collapsed, and a runway excursion off the left side of the runway occurred. The right wing sustained substantial damage.

Pilot Report

The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Incorrect use/operationPilot