No fatalities

Training Flight Stalls on Short Final During Simulated Engine-Out Approach (N198X)

Lancaster-General William J. Fox, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 27, 2005, a Socata TBM-700 (registration N198X) operated by Clay Nordman was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster-General William J. Fox, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, and the instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action, which resulted in a stall/mush. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archiveUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot and instructor experienced a stall and ground impact during a simulated engine-out approach when the airplane entered an uncommanded bank and the right wing contacted the ground.

Background

The purpose of the flight was for a student to receive dual flight instruction to become more familiar with the airplane's handling characteristics. The student met with a certified flight instructor (CFI) and received a briefing for a lesson that included takeoff and landing practice.

Sequence of Events

During the lesson, the instructor directed the student to perform a simulated engine-out approach. Engine power was reduced as the airplane glided toward the airport. The student entered a close-in downwind and, at the instructor's direction, performed a left circling turn onto the base and final approach legs. The landing gear was lowered. The student asked the instructor whether they could glide all the way to the runway, and the instructor advised the student to maintain 90 knots.

As the airplane turned from the close-in base leg onto the final approach leg, the instructor told the student "don't bank." The student rolled the wings level. Immediately afterward, a left bank began again, and the instructor repeated "Don't bank." The student replied, "I'm not." The instructor applied engine power and right rudder to reduce the left bank. The airplane stopped rolling left and then rolled into a right bank, during which the right wing impacted the ground. At no time did the instructor direct the student to release the flight controls.

Outcome

The airplane stalled on short final approach and impacted the ground.

Probable cause

The student's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, and the instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action, which resulted in a stall/mush.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Dec 2005 Socata TBM-700 accident near Lancaster-General William J. Fox, United States of America?

A student pilot and instructor experienced a stall and ground impact during a simulated engine-out approach when the airplane entered an uncommanded bank and the right wing contacted the ground.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Dec 2005 Socata TBM-700 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Dec 2005 involved a Socata TBM-700, registration N198X, operated by Clay Nordman, at Lancaster-General William J. Fox, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, and the instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action, which resulted in a stall/mush.