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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

April 21, 1996 · Cessna 172 · N6542J

Dekalb, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 21, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Dekalb, IL
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N6542J
Operator
American Flyers
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI96LA140

A student pilot and a flight instructor (CFI) were practicing crosswind takeoffs and landings. The student misjudged a landing flare, and the airplane bounced during touchdown. The student added power to abort the landing, but directional control of the airplane was not maintained. The airplane traveled off the left side of the runway into a grass area. The CFI stated he reduced the power as the airplane rolled off the runway into the grass. However, the airplane's right wing contacted a pole located 85 to 100 feet from the runway. The airplane then traveled an additional 500 feet before coming to a stop.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor's inadequate supervision, and his delay in taking remedial action to regain directional control of the airplane. Factors relating to the accident were: the student's improper flare for landing, improper recovery from a bounced landing, and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane; and the proximity of a pole to the runway.

Full Narrative

On April 21, 1996, at 1345 central daylight time, a Cessna 172, N6542J, operated by American Flyers collided with a pole following a loss of directional control while landing at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport, DeKalb, Illinois. The 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. Neither the certificated flight instructor (CFI) nor the student pilot reported any injuries. The flight originated from West Chicago, Illinois, at 1315. The CFI stated the purpose of the flight was to practice crosswind takeoffs and landings. He stated that the local winds were from 140 degrees at 13 knots and the landing was being made on runway 09 (4,199' x 50'). He reported that the student flared the airplane too high and the airplane landed hard, bouncing on the runway. He stated that while airborne after the bounce, the student applied full power to initiate an aborted landing; however, the nose of the airplane was pointed toward the left side of the runway. He stated he pulled the throttle to idle and the airplane rolled off the side of the runway into the grass. The right wing of the airplane contacted a pole which was located 85' to 100' off the side of the runway. The airplane traveled an additional 500' past the pole prior to coming to a stop. Damage to the right wing consisted of leading edge skin. Two wing ribs were also damaged.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 CDT
Nearest AirportDekalb-Taylor Municipal (0nm)
Runway9
Runway Length4199 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN6542J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAmerican Flyers
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 30 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 11 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data