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NTSB Report
March 16, 1991 · Cessna 172K · N78195
Bridgman, MI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 16, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Bridgman, MI
Aircraft
Cessna 172K
Tail Number
N78195
Operator
Charles F Harrell & Partners
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI91LA109
A PRIVATE PILOT AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE SIGHTSEEING ALONG A LAKESHORE ABOUT 300 FEET ABOVE THE LAKE AND 150 YARDS OFFSHORE. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER WAS LOOKING TO THE REAR AND TALKING TO THE OTHER PASSENGER WHEN THE PILOT INITIATED A 360 DEGREE TURN AWAY FROM THE BEACH. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SENSED A STEEP BANK AND A DESCENT, AND TURNED TO LOOK OUT THE WINDSHIELD. ON SEEING THE NOSE BELOW THE HORIZON, THE PASSENGER PULLED BACK ON THE YOKE AND APPLIED POWER TO BREAK THE DESCENT. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE LAKE DURING THE PULLUP.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CORRECT A DESCENT. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S MANEUVERING AT AN IMPROPER ALTITUDE.
Full Narrative
A PRIVATE PILOT AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE SIGHTSEEING ALONG A LAKESHORE ABOUT 300 FEET ABOVE THE LAKE AND 150 YARDS OFFSHORE. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER WAS LOOKING TO THE REAR AND TALKING TO THE OTHER PASSENGER WHEN THE PILOT INITIATED A 360 DEGREE TURN AWAY FROM THE BEACH. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SENSED A STEEP BANK AND A DESCENT, AND TURNED TO LOOK OUT THE WINDSHIELD. ON SEEING THE NOSE BELOW THE HORIZON, THE PASSENGER PULLED BACK ON THE YOKE AND APPLIED POWER TO BREAK THE DESCENT. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE LAKE DURING THE PULLUP.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:10 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172K
Tail NumberN78195
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCharles F Harrell & Partners
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 21 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:21
Weather SourceWFAC