Probable cause
The pilot receiving instruction’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent landing gear collapse.
NTSB analysis
The pilot receiving instruction was in training to obtain both a complex and high-performance endorsement. After successfully completing a touch-and-go landing and continuing in the airport traffic pattern, the flight instructor reduced engine power to idle to simulate an emergency forced landing. The airplane touched down on the left main landing gear first and then hard on the right main landing gear. Subsequently, the right main landing gear collapsed, which resulted in the right wing contacting the runway and sustaining substantial damage.
Both pilots reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA259 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 12, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Selma, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Craig Field Airport (SEM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-32R-300
- N-number
- N62LP
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.