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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

October 16, 1995 · Cessna 172G · N3773L

Wilkes-Barre, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 16, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Aircraft
Cessna 172G
Tail Number
N3773L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC96LA009

The flight instructor and student pilot had made two takeoffs and landings without incident. During the third takeoff, the airplane started to drift to the left and the student pilot stated that there was a problem with the controls. The flight instructor stated that the controls were alright, and that there was a crosswind. When the airplane began to roll to the left, the flight instructor took over the controls. The airplane's left wing tip struck the ground, and the airplane cartwheeled. Examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical problem with the airplane. The student pilot had a total of 27 hours of flight experience. This was his first flight in this make and model. The flight instructor was initially certificated as an instructor 4 days prior to the accident, and this was his first flight as an instructor. Winds at a nearby airport were reported to be from 250 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 24.

NTSB Probable Cause

the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. Contributing factors were the instructor's inexperience and the student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.

Full Narrative

On October 16, 1995, at 1630 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172G, N3773L, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during takeoff at the Wilkes-Barre Wyoming Valley Airport (WBW), Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, for the instructional flight that originated at WBW. No flight plan had been filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the flight instructor stated that the student pilot had made two takeoffs and landings without incident. The flight instructor further stated: Upon our third takeoff, after we had started to accelerate, the student said "what's up with these ailerons?" and I said "they're good, we have a cross wind," just as we lifted off. At this point the aircraft started to roll to the left, although we had right aileron and right rudder in. I yelled, "I got it" and tried to straighten the aircraft out but could not. Shortly thereafter our left wing hit the dirt to the left of the runway and [we] started to "cartwheel." The flight instructor also stated in the report: Aborted takeoff when student mentioned something felt wrong with his controls. Although there was probably nothing wrong, I should have just returned back to the ramp. According to a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector's report, examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical problems with the airplane. The student pilot had a total of 27 hours of flight experience, all in the Piper Tri-Pacer. This was his first flight in any Cessna airplane. The flight instructor was initially certificated as an instructor on October 16, 1995. This was his first flight as an instructor. Winds at a nearby airport were reported to be from 250 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 24.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 EDT
Nearest AirportWyoming Valley (0nm)
Runway24
Runway Length3376 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172G
Tail NumberN3773L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 23 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 14 kt, gusting 24 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data