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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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May 6, 2003 · Cessna 152 · N48796

Pala, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 6, 2003
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Pala, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N48796
Operator
Pinnacle Aviation Academy
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX03LA148

The airplane collided with trees near a rock quarry while practicing a simulated engine out forced landing procedure. When the certified flight instructor (CFI) called for a termination of the maneuver the pilot under instruction (PUI) delayed executing the proper go-around procedures. The student left the flaps at the 30-degree position, and the airspeed got slow enough to activate the stall warning horn. The CFI called for the flaps to 20 degrees and to maintain airspeed. The CFI then called for flaps 10 degrees, but the student retracted them to 0 degrees. The airplane entered an excessive sink rate, and the CFI was unable to recover before the airplane impacted trees.

NTSB Probable Cause

the dual student's delay in executing the proper recovery procedures and improper retraction of the flaps, the CFI's inadequate supervision during the recovery to normal flight, the CFI's delayed remedial action, and the failure of both pilots to maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall-mush and collision with trees.

Full Narrative

On May 6, 2003, about 1200 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 152, N48796, collided with trees and terrain while practicing emergency procedures near Pala, California. Pinnacle Aviation Services, Inc., was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The certified flight instructor (CFI) pilot and the private pilot under instruction (PUI) sustained minor injuries; the airplane was substantially damaged. The local instructional flight departed Carlsbad, California, about 1000. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The primary wreckage was at 33 degrees 23.0 minutes north latitude and 117 degrees 03.0 minutes west longitude. The CFI reported that the purpose of the flight was to practice emergency procedures. In the area of a rock quarry, they were performing a simulated engine out procedure. When the CFI called for a termination of the maneuver, he said that the PUI delayed in executing the proper go-around procedures. The PUI left the flaps at the 30-degree position, and the airspeed got slow enough to activate the stall warning horn. The CFI called for the flaps to 20 degrees and to "maintain airspeed." The CFI then called for flaps to 10 degrees, but the PUI mistakenly retracted them to 0 degrees. The airplane established a sink rate, and the CFI was unable to recover before the airplane impacted trees. The airplane came to rest approximately 50 yards from a dirt road. The airplane was destroyed during the impact sequence. Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration examined the wreckage at the accident scene. They noted no pre-impact discrepancies with the airframe or the engine. The CFI and the PUI reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN48796
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPinnacle Aviation Academy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 47 · First Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 32 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 10 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingOvercast 3300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 52
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data