Training Flight Crash During Simulated Engine Failure at Wels Airport

Casualties unknown • am Flugplatz Wels, Oberösterreich, AT

A Piper PA38-112 sustained substantial damage after a flight instructor and student pilot lost control during an engine failure drill.

What happened

On April 2, 2013, a Piper PA38-112 departed from Linz Airport (LOWL) for a training flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The flight, operated by a flight instructor and a student pilot, was intended to include several touch-and-go landings and emergency procedure drills at Wels Airport (LOLW).

After completing two successful touch-and-go maneuvers on the asphalt runway, the instructor initiated a simulated engine failure drill. The procedure involved reducing engine power to idle at an altitude of approximately 750 feet. As the aircraft entered a right-hand turn to transition toward the grass runway, the instructor took control of the aircraft.

During the maneuver, the aircraft encountered an unexpected wind gust or wind shear, which caused it to bank sharply to the right. This resulted in a rapid loss of altitude and a wingtip strike on the right side. In an attempt to avoid hitting the airport perimeter fence, nearby trees, and parked vehicles, the instructor executed a steep right turn, which led to a further loss of altitude and the eventual crash of the aircraft. Both occupants were able to evacuate the wreckage independently.

The investigation

The Austrian SUB investigation examined the flight sequence, the aircraft's condition, and the environmental factors at the time of the accident. Investigators reviewed the flight path, the execution of the emergency drill, and the weather conditions reported at the time of the incident. The investigation also looked into the maintenance records and the flight preparation of the crew.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the underspeed of the aircraft during the turning maneuver.
  • The simulated engine failure drill was initiated at an insufficient altitude above the ground.
  • The maneuver was performed at an insufficient horizontal distance from the runway.
  • An unexpected wind from the east, which was stronger than the conditions reported in the Linz METAR, contributed to the loss of control.
  • The pilot's attempt to avoid obstacles through a steep turn resulted in further altitude loss and the subsequent impact.

Probable cause

The aircraft's airspeed dropped below the minimum required for safe flight during a turning maneuver, exacerbated by an unexpected wind gust and the execution of an engine failure drill at an insufficient altitude.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-04-02 Piper PA38-112 accident near am Flugplatz Wels, Oberösterreich, AT?

A Piper PA38-112 sustained substantial damage after a flight instructor and student pilot lost control during an engine failure drill.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-04-02 involved a Piper PA38-112, at am Flugplatz Wels, Oberösterreich, AT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft's airspeed dropped below the minimum required for safe flight during a turning maneuver, exacerbated by an unexpected wind gust and the execution of an engine failure drill at an insufficient altitude.

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