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March 16, 2001 · Piper PA-28-140 · N6532W

Port Huron, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 16, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Port Huron, MI
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N6532W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI01LA103

The airplane sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain during a simulated forced landing approach. The pilot and flight instructor reported no injuries. The pilot stated, "After extensive training in flight the last maneuver was to be 'Simulated Engine Failure to a Power-Off Landing on Rwy. 04 at PHN'. Three quarters of the way down wind for runway 04@1400 MSL, the flight instructor pulled the throttle to an idle setting. The pilot immediately established best glide speed of 85 m.p.h., turning directly to runway 04. Approximately 75' AGL wind sheer was encountered. The student immediately responded full throttle and nose pitch down. However, the aircraft impacted the ground causing damage to the airframe. Both pilot and CFI walked to terminal to report the incident." The pilot stated that no mechanical malfunction failure occurred. The weather was: Wind 030 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 19 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition clear; temperature 0 degrees C; dew point -4 degrees C; altimeter 29.92 inches of mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot not maintaing a proper glide path during the simulated forced landing. Factors were flight instructor's inadequate supervision and the wind gusts.

Full Narrative

On March 16, 2001, about 1015 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-140, N6532W, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain during a simulated forced landing approach to runway 4 at Saint Clair County International Airport (PHN), near Port Huron, Michigan. The flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan was on file. The pilot and flight instructor reported no injuries. The local flight review flight had departed from PHN about 0915 and was performing a simulated forced landing at PHN at the time of the accident. The pilot stated, "N6532W departed PHN at 9:15a.m. Friday for a biennial flight review. After extensive training in flight the last maneuver was to be 'Simulated Engine Failure to a Power-Off Landing on Rwy. 04 at PHN'. Three quarters of the way down wind for runway 04@1400 MSL, the flight instructor pulled the throttle to an idle setting. The pilot immediately established best glide speed of 85 m.p.h., turning directly to runway 04. Approximately 75' AGL wind sheer was encountered. The student immediately responded full throttle and nose pitch down. However, the aircraft impacted the ground causing damage to the airframe. Both pilot and CFI walked to terminal to report the incident." The pilot stated that no mechanical malfunction failure occurred. At 0900, the PHN weather was: Wind 030 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 19knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition clear; temperature 0 degrees C; dew point -4 degrees C; altimeter 29.92 inches of mercury.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:15 EST
Nearest AirportSt Clair County Intl (0nm)
Runway4
Runway Length5103 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN6532W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 45 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 13 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point32 C / 25 C
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time14:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data