Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-140 near Newdale, ID — 2023-06-27

Final reportWPR23LA242
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Date
2023-06-27
Location
Newdale, ID, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-140
Registration
N730SC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The premature retraction of the flaps by the student pilot, while just above the airplane’s stall speed. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision and failure to regain aircraft control from the student pilot.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision and failure to regain aircraft control from the student pilot.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that while his student was at the controls, he initiated a simulated engine failure, and the student executed the emergency procedures for a forced landing. The student chose a place to land and configured the airplane for landing, including full flaps. The instructor noticed that the airplane’s airspeed was “a little slow”, and he instructed the student to check the airspeed, then recover from the simulation. The student retracted the flaps instead of adding engine power, and the airplane stalled and sank. The instructor immediately attempted to take over the airplane’s controls from the student and verbally commanded “my controls”, but the student was “stuck on the controls and locked up.” The airplane continued to descend and touched down in a field and nosed over. Both wings, the fuselage, the vertical stabilizer, and the rudder sustained substantial damage. The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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