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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

January 29, 2003 · Cessna 172M · N64312

Logan, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 29, 2003
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Location
Logan, NM
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N64312
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN03LA039

The pilot said that he flew low level over Ute Lake from the west and then turned left to line up on the field. The pilot said at the last minute he realized he was lined up on a dirt road. He applied full power. The pilot said he was "too low and too slow, and [the] terrain was rising." He said he was also coming up on stall speed. The pilot said he flew under a first set of power lines and banked left to avoid a second set of power lines. The airplane struck several trees and a light pole crushing both wings rearward and crushing the cowling, firewall, and forward fuselage aft. The pilot said that when he initiated his go-around, he neglected to push in the carburetor heat or retract the flaps. An examination of the airplane at the scene confirmed this. No other anomalies were found.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, his failure to accomplish appropriate checklist items during the go-around, and his failure to maintain clearance from the trees and the lamp post. Factors contributing to the accident were the low altitude, low airspeed, the trees, and the lamp pole.

Full Narrative

On January 28, 2003, at approximately 1800 mountain standard time, a Cessna 172M, N64312, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it struck trees and a light pole during a go around from a visual approach to the Ute Dam Airport (E97), Logan, New Mexico. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted on a visual flight rules flight plan from Clovis, New Mexico, to Logan, New Mexico, under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and 3 passengers on board sustained minor injuries. The cross-country flight originated at 1740. In his written statement, the pilot said that he flew low level over Ute Lake from the west and then turned left to line up on the field. The pilot said at the last minute he realized he was lined up on a dirt road. He applied full power. The pilot said he was "too low and too slow, and [the] terrain was rising." He said he was also coming up on stall speed. The pilot said he flew under a first set of power lines, banked left to avoid a second set of power lines, and then struck a tree. In his statement to the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot said that when he initiated his go-around, he neglected to push in the carburetor heat or retract the flaps. The airplane was found resting upright on top of a downed cottonwood tree near a camping area. Several trees and a light pole preceding the accident site showed damage. An examination of the airplane showed the left and right wings crushed aft. The left wing tip was bent upward. The right wing tip was broken aft longitudinally and bent downward. The airplane's flaps were fully extended. The windscreen was broken out. Tree branches were embedded in the cabin interior ceiling. The right side of the forward fuselage, cowling, and firewall were crushed inward. The engine was bent downward and left. The nose gear was bent to the right. Flight control continuity was confirmed. An examination of the cockpit showed the carburetor heat knob pulled on. No other anomalies were found.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 MST
Nearest AirportUte Dam Airport (0nm ENE)
Runway21
Runway Length3640 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN64312
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor4
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 21 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
Wind50° @ 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 30 C
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time00:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data