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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

May 11, 1996 · Cessna 150M · N704RS

Springdale, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 11, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Springdale, AR
Aircraft
Cessna 150M
Tail Number
N704RS
Operator
Bassett Flight Center
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA209

While practicing simulated engine out procedures, the flight instructor (CFI) 'pulled the mixture off to simulate [an] engine failure.' When the student pilot did not turn towards a field to land the airplane, the CFI took the controls and attempted unsuccessfully to restart the engine. During an approach for a forced landing in an open field, the airplane hit a barbed wire fence, damaging the left horizontal stabilizer, cowling, and fuselage. The airplane touched down 30 to 50 feet beyond the fence and came to a stop without further damage. After landing, the instructor 'restarted the engine to trouble-shoot, but found no trouble as it started immediately.' FAA publication AC 61-21A stated that the throttle should be used to simulate an engine failure.

NTSB Probable Cause

the flight instructor's improper (unapproved) procedure of using the mixture control to simulate an engine failure. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

Full Narrative

On May 11, 1996, at 0905 central daylight time, a Cessna 150M, N704RS, owned and operated by Bassett Flight Center, Inc., sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Springdale, Arkansas. The certificated flight instructor and his student were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. The flight originated at Springdale Municipal Airport, Springdale, Arkansas, at 0825. The flight instructor reported that, while practicing simulated engine out procedures, he had "pulled the mixture off to simulate [an] engine failure." When the student pilot did not turn towards a field to land the airplane, he took the controls and attempted unsuccessfully to restart the engine. During the approach to an open field, the airplane hit a barbed wire fence damaging the left horizontal stabilizer, cowling, and fuselage. The airplane touched down 30 to 50 feet beyond the fence and came to a stop without further damage. The flight instructor further reported that, after landing, "I restarted the engine to trouble-shoot, but found no trouble as it started immediately." FAA publication AC 61-21A states in Chapter 9 - Landing Approaches and Landings\Emergency Approaches (simulated) that, "The instructor should give simulated forced landings by retarding the throttle and calling 'Simulated Forced Landing.'"

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:05 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150M
Tail NumberN704RS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBassett Flight Center
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200-A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 55
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data