Training flight gone wrong! An examination of a February 2024 accident that involved an unstable approach, a tail strike, and a near collision with an airplane hanger.
Both the instructor and student involved in the Cessna 172 accident survived. Their account of the event provides insights into how a routine training flight turned into a near disaster. The instructor's decision-making created a dangerous situation.
Shortly before landing, ATC redirected the aircraft to a much shorter runway, and the instructor allowed the student to bring in the aircraft too high and too fast. The instructor then allowed the student to land instead executing a missed approach.
After the student put the aircraft on the runway and braked hard enough to lock the brakes, the instructor took control of the aircraft, continued to apply brakes and pulled back on the control column hard enough to cause a tail strike.
The instructor turned onto a taxiway near the end of the runway and took off again, barely missing a nearby hanger. Fortunately, the instructor was able to land the damaged aircraft.
The Australian authorities reference FAA criteria for a stabilized approach in the accident report. The detectives share anecdotes that reinforce the importance of judging whether an approach is stable and being consistent with landing procedures.
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