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November 22, 1997 · Piper PA-28RT-201T PA-28RT-20 · N8315S

Janesville, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 22, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Janesville, WI
Aircraft
Piper PA-28RT-201T PA-28RT-20
Tail Number
N8315S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI98LA043

While performing a simulated engine failure in the traffic pattern, the flight instructor (CFI) demonstrated the function of the landing gear override to the student, who was also a CFI. While turning final approach, the student lowered the landing gear handle to the down position. When he looked up he noticed the airplane was too low, so he added power. As he was adding power, the right main landing gear contacted a snowbank located 18 inches from the approach end of the runway. The airplane then contacted the edge of the runway and veered to the right where it contacted a runway light.

NTSB Probable Cause

the dual student's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, and the instructor's failure to provide adequate supervision of the flight. Factors associated with the accident were: inadequate altitude, the student's diverted attention, the snowbank, and the runway light.

Full Narrative

On November 22, 1997, at 1100 central standard time (cst), a Piper PA-28RT-201T, N8315S, operated by two certified flight instructors collided with the terrain when it undershot runway 22 at the Rock County Airport, Janesville, Wisconsin. The purpose of the flight was for one flight instructor to check out the other one in this airplane. The airplane was substantially damaged. Neither pilot was injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident. The flight originated from Grayslake, Illinois, at 0930 cst. The pilot-in-command (PIC) reported that following their departure from Grayslake they performed basic airwork, two ILS approaches, two touch and go's and a full stop landing from a simulated engine out. They then decided to perform one more simulated engine out landing. The PIC stated that once in the traffic pattern he demonstrated the landing gear "override" feature to the pilot in the left seat (student). He reported that on base leg the "override" was disengaged and the landing gear extended. The student placed the landing gear handle in the down position and when he looked up he noticed the altitude of the airplane was low as they were turning onto a "very short final." The PIC stated the student overcorrected as the right wing was low. At the same time the student was adding power to extend the approach the right landing gear contacted a snowbank followed by the edge of the runway. The PIC reported that the snowbank was about 18 inches from the edge of the runway. The right main landing gear collapsed and the airplane slid off the right side and contacted a runway light upon touchdown.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 CST
Nearest AirportRock County (0nm)
Runway22
Runway Length6701 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28RT-201T PA-28RT-20
Tail NumberN8315S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-360-FB · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 46 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 10 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingOvercast 1300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:41
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data