Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary FTW95LA262

MCALLEN, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N3737B

BEECH 77

Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR,DURING RECOVERY FROM A SIMULATED FORCED LANDING AT ABOUT 600 FEET AGL, THE STUDENT PILOT 'SHOVED THE THROTTLE FULL FORWARD THEREBY DEPRIVING THE ENGINE OF FUEL.' THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING; HOWEVER, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A FENCE POST AND THE AIRPLANE CAME TO REST INVERTED.

Factual Information

On June 25, 1995, at 1830 central daylight time, a Beech 77, N3737B, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near McAllen, Texas. The certificated flight instructor and student pilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight operated by Volare Aviation. The flight originated at Miller International Airport in McAllen, Texas, at 1800 and no flight plan was filed. The flight instructor reported, in the enclosed Pilot/Operator Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), that he simulated an engine failure at 2,000 feet mean sea level (MSL). The student pilot performed the emergency checklist and began to search for possible landing sites. "At approximately 400-600 feet MSL, I instructed the student to initiate a go-around. The student; however, shoved the throttle full forward, thereby depriving the engine of fuel. The engine both hesitated and sputtered...Despite my efforts, which were limited by the lack of engine thrust, the aircraft struck a fence pole and flipped over mid-air and landed on its back."

Probable Cause and Findings

THE DUAL STUDENT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY OPERATE THE THROTTLE AND THE INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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