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NTSB Report
November 11, 1988 · Piper PA-44-180 · N81609
Clearwater, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 11, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Clearwater, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-44-180
Tail Number
N81609
Operator
Bay Air Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA89LA026
AS THE STUDENT PLT WAS MAKING A SIMULATED SINGLE ENG APCH, THE INSTRUCTOR'S ATTENTION WAS MOMENTARILY DIVERTED INSIDE THE COCKPIT. WHEN THE INSTRUCTOR LOOKED OUTSIDE AGAIN, THE ACFT WAS LOW & SLOW ON A SHORT FINAL APCH. THE CFI APPLIED POWER TO ARREST THE DESCENT, BUT THE MAIN GEAR COLLAPSED WHEN THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN SHORT OF THE RWY & CONTACTED THE RWY LIP. THERE WAS NO FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE ENGINES OR FLT CONTROLS.
Full Narrative
AS THE STUDENT PLT WAS MAKING A SIMULATED SINGLE ENG APCH, THE INSTRUCTOR'S ATTENTION WAS MOMENTARILY DIVERTED INSIDE THE COCKPIT. WHEN THE INSTRUCTOR LOOKED OUTSIDE AGAIN, THE ACFT WAS LOW & SLOW ON A SHORT FINAL APCH. THE CFI APPLIED POWER TO ARREST THE DESCENT, BUT THE MAIN GEAR COLLAPSED WHEN THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN SHORT OF THE RWY & CONTACTED THE RWY LIP. THERE WAS NO FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE ENGINES OR FLT CONTROLS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:40 EST
Nearest AirportSt Petersburg-Clearwater (0nm N)
Runway4
Runway Length5500 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-44-180
Tail NumberN81609
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBay Air Flying Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 38 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 10 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC