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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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May 3, 2001 · Cessna 172RG · N9696B

Washington, OK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 3, 2001
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Washington, OK
Aircraft
Cessna 172RG
Tail Number
N9696B
Operator
Airman Flight School
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW01LA113

According to the flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction, the student was demonstrating a commercial flight maneuver, at 2,100 feet agl, when they smelled an odor similar to "electrical burning." The instructor told the student to terminate the maneuver and return to the airport. While the student was terminating the maneuver, visible smoke appeared in the cabin, and heat was felt coming from beneath the instrument panel. The instructor assumed control of the airplane. The engine was shut down and a forced landing was executed to a field. During the landing, the airplane encountered soft terrain, nosed over and came to rest inverted. A plastic hydraulic reservoir, from the hydraulic power pack, was found melted and laying on the cockpit floor. The hydraulic power pack was examined and functionally tested at Aero Electric Inc., Wichita, Kansas, under supervision of the FAA. According a report from Aero Electric, the power pack and its related components operated within manufacturer's specifications.

NTSB Probable Cause

the in-flight fire for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a forced landing. A contributory factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On May 3, 2001, at 1300 central daylight time, a Cessna 172RG airplane, N9696B, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following an in-flight fire near Washington, Oklahoma. The airplane was registered to Christensen Aviation Inc., of Wilmington, Delaware, and operated by Airman Flight School, Inc., of Norman, Oklahoma. The flight instructor and private pilot receiving instruction sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The local flight originated from the University of Oklahoma Westheimer Airport, Norman, Oklahoma, at 1230. According to the flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction, the student was demonstrating a commercial flight maneuver at 2,100 feet agl, when they smelled an odor similar to "electrical burning." The instructor told the student to terminate the maneuver and return to the Westheimer Airport. While the student was terminating the maneuver, visible smoke appeared in the cabin and heat was felt coming from beneath the instrument panel. The instructor assumed control of the airplane. The engine was shut down, and a forced landing was executed to a field. During the landing, the airplane encountered soft terrain, nosed over and came to rest inverted. According to an FAA inspector, who examined the airplane, a plastic hydraulic reservoir from the hydraulic power pack was found melted and laying on the cockpit floor. He stated that the left wing-tip, the right wing strut, and the vertical stabilizer were structurally damaged. He added that the engine firewall was buckled. The hydraulic power pack was examined and functionally tested at Aero Electric Inc., Wichita, Kansas, under supervision of the FAA. According a report from Aero Electric, the power pack and its related components operated within manufacturer's specifications.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172RG
Tail NumberN9696B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAirman Flight School
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-F1A6 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 24 · Second Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 26 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data