Diamond DA 42 NG N607PA

Summary

On 11 October 2012 at about 17:30 local time, a Diamond DA 42 NG registered N607PA, operated by Phoenix East Aviation Inc, was involved in an accident near Palm Coast, Florida, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

11 October 2012 at 17:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Palm Coast, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

Flagler County Airport (XFL)

Coordinates

29.4669, -81.2036

Aircraft

Diamond DA 42 NG

Registration

N607PA

Category

Airplane

Year built

2007

Engines

2

Operator

Phoenix East Aviation Inc

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Daytona Beach → Palm Coast

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA13LA043

Nobody was injured.

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a hard landing. 

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

During the approach, the designated pilot examiner (DPE) instructed the pilot to demonstrate a short-field landing. While on short final approach, the pilot reduced power and slowed the airspeed. As the airplane crossed the runway threshold, it descended rapidly and then landed hard. Neither pilot reported any flight control anomalies or mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. A review of the flight school's training manual revealed that the pilot was to obtain 82 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) during a short-field landing. Review of the manufacturer's operating procedures revealed that the minimum airspeed for landing was between 84 and 86 KIAS and that it contained no procedures for short-field landings. The DPE stated that the airspeed was between about 75 and 80 KIAS during the approach and 67 KIAS before touchdown, which was lower than the landing airspeed listed in the manufacturer's operating manual or the flight school's training manual. The DPE stated that the speed "bled off" to fast for her to take over control of the airplane. Conducting the landing at such a low airspeed resulted in the loss of lift and a hard landing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.