NTSB Factual Report

On March 6, 2005, about 1730 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-44-180, N21427, registered to and operated by Delta Connection Academy Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, had a hard landing at the Opa Locka Airport, Opa Locka, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot-in-command/certified flight instructor (CFI) and the commercial-rated dual student reported no injuries, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated from North Perry Airport, Pembroke Pines, Florida, earlier that day, about 1600.

The CFI stated they were conducting instrument approaches and landings at Opa Locka Airport. During a takeoff, he gave his student the indication of a simulated engine failure, the student then retarded the throttles and initiated a descent to land. While on descent, the CFI and dual student noticed a higher than normal descent rate and both corrected by adding back pressure on the control column and adding engine power. After touchdown the instructor heard an abnormal noise and decided to taxi to the ramp. Once the airplane was secure, the CFI conducted an inspection and found damage to the fuselage and terminated the flight. The pilots stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The dual student's improper descent rate during a simulated engine failure and simulated forced landing and the CFI's inadequate remedial action which resulted in a hard landing.