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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

November 22, 1994 · Cessna 172L · N19735

Bethel, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 22, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Bethel, ME
Aircraft
Cessna 172L
Tail Number
N19735
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO95LA014

DURING A DUAL INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT, THE CFI INITIATED A PRACTICE FORCED LANDING. ACCORDING TO THE CFI THE STUDENT PILOT SELECTED 30 DEGREES OF FLAPS AND MADE '...CORRECT ACTIONS TO COUNTERACT A LEFT CROSSWIND...' WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH TO THE RUNWAY. THE CFI STATED: 'PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN OF THE LEFT MAIN WHEEL, WE EXPERIENCED A VERY STRONG GUST OF WIND FROM THE RIGHT (ALMOST A 180 DEGREE SHEAR).' THE CFI TOOK CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE, ADDED POWER AND RAISED THE WING FLAPS FOR A GO-AROUND. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES LOCATED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY.

NTSB Probable Cause

the flight instructor's failure to ensure adequate control of the airplane during a go-around. The gusty wind conditions were contributing factors.

Full Narrative

On November 22, 1994, at 1325 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172L, N19735, operated as a dual instructional flight by Bethel Air Service, struck trees during an attempted go-around at Colonel Dyke Field in Bethel, Maine. The airplane received substantial damage. The Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) and student pilot, the sole occupants, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight. The flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91. The CFI reported that during the dual instructional flight, a practice forced landing was initiated over the airport and the airplane spiraled down for a landing on runway 32. According to the CFI, the student pilot selected 30 degrees of flaps and made "...correct actions to counteract a left crosswind of approximately 10 knots..." during the final approach to the runway. The CFI reported that "Prior to touchdown of the left main wheel, we experienced a very strong gust of wind from the right (almost 180 degree shear)." The CFI took control of the airplane, added power for a go-around and raised the wing flaps. The CFI reported he was unable to regain control of the airplane, and it continued in a left turn until it struck trees. Weather reports at the time of accident indicated the wind to be from a westerly direction at 14 knots gusting to 23 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:25 EST
Nearest AirportColonel Dyke Field (0nm)
Runway32
Runway Length3150 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172L
Tail NumberN19735
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 27 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 14 kt, gusting 23 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 21 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time17:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data