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Simulated Engine Failure Leads to Wing Strike During Landing Flare

Dallas, TX, United States

On July 9, 2018, a Beech T34 A operated by American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum was involved in an aviation accident near Dallas, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the landing flare, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, a simulated engine failure resulted in an aerodynamic stall at 5 feet, causing the right wing to strike the runway. Substantial wing damage occurred; no mechanical failures were reported.

Incident Overview

During an airplane check out flight, a pilot receiving instruction performed a simulated engine failure maneuver. As the aircraft entered the landing flare, the pilot reported that the airplane "ran out of energy," causing the right wing to contact the runway.

Instructor Account

The flight instructor stated that the airplane was approximately 5 feet above the runway when it aerodynamically stalled. The right wing subsequently dropped and struck the runway surface, resulting in substantial damage to the wing structure.

Aircraft Condition

The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The damage was limited to the right wing.

Sequence of Events

  • A simulated engine failure was conducted as part of the instructional flight.
  • During the landing flare, the aircraft experienced a loss of energy.
  • At an altitude of about 5 feet, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall.
  • The right wing dropped and impacted the runway.
  • The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

Investigation Findings

The investigation documented no evidence of mechanical issues that could have contributed to the event. The incident appears to have resulted from the aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control during the simulated engine failure practice.

Contributing factors

Student/instructed pilotCapability exceededAirspeed — Not attained/maintained
Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jul 2018 Beech T34 A accident near Dallas, TX?

During a training flight, a simulated engine failure resulted in an aerodynamic stall at 5 feet, causing the right wing to strike the runway. Substantial wing damage occurred; no mechanical failures were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jul 2018 Beech T34 A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jul 2018 involved a Beech T34 A, operated by American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum, at Dallas, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the landing flare, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

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