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NTSB Report

September 21, 2016 · Piper PA28R 180 · N3803T

Ottumwa, IA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 21, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ottumwa, IA
Aircraft
Piper PA28R 180 (1967)
Tail Number
N3803T
Operator
Indian Hills Community College
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA501

The flight instructor reported that the pilot receiving instruction was demonstrating a power-off 180 degree landing. He further reported that as the airplane entered a close-in base to final approach, the airspeed slowed and the stall warning light started to flicker. The flight instructor reported that he stated to the pilot flying, "nose down, nose down," and waited for him to correct. Subsequently, the flight instructor took the flight controls, but as he did so, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall and touched down hard on the runway. During the landing roll, the flight instructor reported that he lost rudder authority but was able to use differential braking to maintain directional control and taxi off the runway. The right wing sustained substantial damage. The flight instructor reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot receiving instruction's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle-of-attack during a simulated engine failure and landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that the pilot receiving instruction was demonstrating a power-off 180 degree landing. He further reported that as the airplane entered a close-in base to final approach, the airspeed slowed and the stall warning light started to flicker. The flight instructor reported that he stated to the pilot flying, "nose down, nose down," and waited for him to correct. Subsequently, the flight instructor took the flight controls, but as he did so, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall and touched down hard on the runway. During the landing roll, the flight instructor reported that he lost rudder authority but was able to use differential braking to maintain directional control and taxi off the runway. The right wing sustained substantial damage. The flight instructor reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 CDT
Nearest AirportOttumwa Rgnl (0nm WSW)
Runway13
Runway Length5885 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA28R 180
Tail NumberN3803T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorIndian Hills Community College
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-B1E · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 22 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 21 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data