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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

March 22, 1997 · Piper PA-38-112 · N9221T

Southern Pines, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 22, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Southern Pines, NC
Aircraft
Piper PA-38-112
Tail Number
N9221T
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL97LA058

The flight instructor (CFI) stated that, the student pilot was flying the airplane when the accident occurred. He reported that this was the last approach for this flight. The approach profile remained stable until the airplane was beyond the runway threshold. The CFI recalled that as the student started the landing flare, the airplane felt like it just stopped flying. In a failed attempt, the CFI applied additional engine power to recover from the no-fly condition; the airplane dropped about 15 feet onto the runway, and the left main landing gear collapsed. Examination of the airplane failed to disclose a mechanical malfunction nor did the CFI report a problem with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

the student pilot's improper landing flare and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the training flight, which led to a hard landing.

Full Narrative

On March 22, 1997, at 1000 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-38-112, N9221T, collided with the runway during an attempted landing to runway 23 at the Moore County Airport in Southern Pines, North Carolina. The instructional flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight instructor and the student pilot were not injured. The flight departed Southern Pines, at 0900. According to the flight instructor, the student pilot was flying the airplane when the accident occurred. He reported that this was the last approach for this flight, and the approach profile was stable. The approach profile remained stable until the airplane was beyond the runway threshold. The flight instructor recalled that as the student pilot started the landing flare, the airplane felt like it just stopped flying. In a failed attempt, the flight instructor applied additional engine power to recover from the no fly condition; the airplane dropped about 15 feet onto the runway, and collapsed the left main landing gear. . Examination of the airplane failed to disclose a mechanical problem, nor did the flight instructor report a problem with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 EST
Nearest AirportMoore County (0nm)
Runway23
Runway Length5500 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-38-112
Tail NumberN9221T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 112
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 52
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data