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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

November 22, 1994 · Piper PA-44 · N853ND

Thief Rvr Falls, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 22, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Thief Rvr Falls, MN
Aircraft
Piper PA-44
Tail Number
N853ND
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI95LA043

THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (CFI) REPORTED HE WAS GIVING A PRIVATE PILOT DUAL INSTRUCTION IN PREPARATION FOR A MULTI-ENGINE RATING. THE CFI SAID THAT SHORTLY AFTER LIFT-OFF, AT AN ESTIMATED ALTITUDE OF 150' AGL, HE RETARDED THE RIGHT ENGINE TO IDLE TO SIMULATE A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE PRIVATE PILOT RESPONDED BY REDUCING THE POWER ON THE LEFT ENGINE, AND RETURNING TO THE RUNWAY FOR LANDING. THE CFI WROTE IN HIS REPORT TO THE NTSB THAT THE PRIVATE PILOT MISJUDGED THE LANDING FLARE, AND LANDED HARD, DAMAGING THE AIRPLANE.

NTSB Probable Cause

the flight instructor's delayed remedial action during a simulated forced landing. A factor in the accident is the student pilot's improper landing flare.

Full Narrative

On November 22, 1994, about 1500 central standard time, a Piper PA-44 airplane, N853ND, sustained substantial damage during a simulated forced landing at Thief River Falls Airport, Thief River Falls, Minnesota. The certificated flight instructor (CFI), dual student and the one passenger aboard reported no injury. The instructional flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 in visual meteorological conditions. The CFI reported that he was giving the private pilot multi- engine instruction in preparation for a multi-engine rating. Shortly after takeoff from Thief River Falls Airport, at an estimated altitude of 150' above the ground, the CFI reduced the right engine to idle thrust to simulate a loss of engine power. The private pilot multi-engine student reduced power on the left engine to return to the runway. The CFI stated that the student misjudged the landing flare and landed hard, causing substantial damage to the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CST
Nearest AirportThief Rvr. Falls (0nm)
Runway31
Runway Length6503 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-44
Tail NumberN853ND
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1H6 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 25 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 12 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 12 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data