On 15 Sep 2016, a PIPER PA 28 140 was involved in an aviation accident near Parkersburg, WV. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action during the approach for landing, which resulted in impact with terrain short of the runway threshold. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a night flight training session, the instructor took over controls after noting low airspeed and high sink rate. Despite full throttle, the aircraft impacted short of the runway threshold and slid left.
Overview
A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting an initial night flight. On short final, the instructor commented on low airspeed and subsequently recognized a high sink rate. The instructor then assumed control of the aircraft.
Sequence of Events
The instructor reported that he attempted to counteract the high sink rate by advancing the throttle to the full forward position. The engine responded to the throttle input, but the airplane impacted the ground short of the runway threshold. After impact, the aircraft slid approximately 30 feet to the left of the runway.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage.
Mechanical Status
The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
Instructor/check pilot
Other contributing factors
Student/instructed pilotDescent rate — Not attained/maintained