The Piper PA-30 pilot told investigators that he was the flying pilot and was seated in the right seat with a pilot-rated passenger in the left seat.
He added that during landing at the airport in Alamosa, Colorado, perhaps the airplane bounced. The airplane was right of the runway centerline and not pointed down the runway. He corrected to the left and the airplane skidded off the runway and into a dirt area.
The airplane’s left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane sustained substantial damage, including damage to the left wing.
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast data showed that the airplane crossed the runway approach end with a ground speed of approximately 113 kts during calm wind conditions. The airplane’s ground speed was approximately 70 kts about 4,000 feet down the runway when it began to veer off the runway.
The Piper Aircraft PA-30 Owner’s Handbook states that the final approach speed for the airplane is 100 mph (86.9 kts). The bounce during landing was consistent with an excessive touchdown speed after a final approach flown at a speed higher than that specified for the airplane.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing with an excessive touchdown speed that resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.
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This December 2023 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.
Two instructors crashed an airworthy airplane. And my kids wonder why I don’t want them to learn to fly. I will sell my plane before I’ll let them get lessons from these newly minted “instructors”.
Two CFIs on board and they can fly a stable approach, and almost 30 kts too fast.
They ‘flew’ the aircraft 4,000 ft down the runway and crashed off it.
Maybe they were thinking the ASI was in mph vs kts.?
“He added that during landing at the airport in Alamosa, Colorado, perhaps the airplane bounced.”
Methinks it bouncethed.