NYC94LA061

This was a training flight to allow a rated student pilot (rsp) to build flight time in the airplane with a certified flight instructor (CFI). After departure, the flight continued for about 30 minutes in the local area. During the return flight to the airport, while on a long final to the runway, the CFI gave the rsp a forced landing. The rsp believed that they were too high for the runway and placed the airplane in a slip to lose altitude. When the rsp resumed a normal glide he determined that the airplane was below an acceptable glide path to make the runway. During a go-around initiated by the rsp, the airplane struck a tree. The CFI took over the controls of the airplane, completed a 360 degree turn, and landed the airplane.

On March 27, 1994, at 1035 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32, N2598Q, piloted by Gerald DeAngelo, was substantially damaged when it struck trees on approach to the Hopedale Industrial Park Airport, Hopedale, Massachusetts. The certified flight instructor and rated student pilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan had not been filed for the flight operating under 14 CFR 91.

In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the certified flight instructor (CFI) stated that this was a training flight to allow the rated student pilot (RSP) to build flight time. He estimated that the clouds were at 2500 to 3000 feet. After takeoff they climbed to 1500 feet and flew for about 30 minutes. They were about 2 miles north of the airport when he estimated that the visibility reduced to 5 miles. He decided to return to the airport.

The CFI further stated:

"...at about a mile and a half [from the airport] I reduced power to simulate a power off landing, Mike [RSP] said we were high and we put the plane in a forward slip, straightened out, lined up on the runway, [and] put in full flaps. I...asked Mike if we would ...make the field, he said no, we put in full power for a go-around, started a climb, I heard a noise...Mike said we hit something. I took the plane and landed on [runway] 180 uneventful...rain was on the windshield"

In a summarized interview given to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, the RSP stated:

"...When we were approximately 2 1/2 miles off the extended centerline for runway 18, Gerry brought the power back to simulate an engine failure...we determined to be too high, so a forward slip was performed. When appropriate glide path was attained, a normal glide was resumed and flaps were fully extended. It then became apparent we were below acceptable glide path. Full power was added and a go-around was initiated. The airplane struck the top of a tree during the initiation of the go-around."