This January 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Thorpedo T211. Location: Stafford, Va. Injuries: None. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: A flight examiner was administering a sport pilot check ride to a student pilot. During the preflight briefing the examiner advised the student pilot that he, the student, would be the pilot in command for the practical test. On the third landing, which was a simulated soft field landing, the student pilot flared too high. The student added more power in effort to prevent a hard landing. The examiner yelled for the student to do a go around but did not take control of the airplane. The airplane came down hard and veered to the left off the runway.
Probable cause: The student’s improper landing flare and the flight examiner’s improper supervision of the student.
For more information: NTSB.gov
