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NTSB Report
July 26, 1992 · Cessna 172 · N2781E
Van Nuys, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 26, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Van Nuys, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N2781E
Operator
San Val Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX92LA342
THE NONCERTIFICATED STUDENT PILOT WAS DEPARTING ON A LOCAL SOLO FLIGHT. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE THE STUDENT PILOT IMPROPERLY USED THE CHECKLIST AND FAILED TO DETERMINE THE TRIM TAB POSITION. ON LIFTOFF WITH THE TRIM TAB IN THE FULL NOSE DOWN POSITION THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO USE THE PROPER ELEVATOR CONTROL. THE STUDENT PILOT FAILED TO RESET THE TRIM AFTER REACHING ABOUT 20 FT ABOVE THE GROUND AND ELECTED TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF. THE STUDENT PILOT WAS UNABLE TO FLARE THE AIRPLANE AND LANDED HARD ON THE REMAINING RUNWAY CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FIREWALL AND NOSE GEAR.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE CHECKLIST TO ASSURE THAT THE TRIM TAB WAS IN THE PROPER POSITION AND FAILURE TO FOLLOW NORMAL PROCEDURES AND DIRECTIVES. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE, MISREADING OF THE TRIM SETTING, AND EXESSIVE NOSE DOWN ELEVATOR TRIM TAB.
Full Narrative
THE NONCERTIFICATED STUDENT PILOT WAS DEPARTING ON A LOCAL SOLO FLIGHT. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE THE STUDENT PILOT IMPROPERLY USED THE CHECKLIST AND FAILED TO DETERMINE THE TRIM TAB POSITION. ON LIFTOFF WITH THE TRIM TAB IN THE FULL NOSE DOWN POSITION THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO USE THE PROPER ELEVATOR CONTROL. THE STUDENT PILOT FAILED TO RESET THE TRIM AFTER REACHING ABOUT 20 FT ABOVE THE GROUND AND ELECTED TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF. THE STUDENT PILOT WAS UNABLE TO FLARE THE AIRPLANE AND LANDED HARD ON THE REMAINING RUNWAY CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FIREWALL AND NOSE GEAR.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:35 PDT
Nearest AirportVANNUYS (0nm)
Runway16
Runway Length8001 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN2781E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSan Val Flying Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 10 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT