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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

May 6, 2003 · Cessna 182S · N182ND

Hatton, ND

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 6, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Hatton, ND
Aircraft
Cessna 182S
Tail Number
N182ND
Operator
University of North Dakota
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA122

The aircraft was substantially damaged when it collided with the shore and a tree during a practice step taxi. The instructional flight was conducted for training in preparation for a single engine sea airplane rating. The dual student held a private pilot certificate with a single engine land rating. The flight instructor stated that the dual student initiated a step taxi across the lake. The intention was for the student to enter a step turn as they approached the opposite shore line. The instructor reported that the dual student initiated the turn with aileron input only, no rudder input. The instructor reported that he directed the student three times to apply rudder input for the turn. After the third request, the instructor stated he took control of the aircraft. The instructor recalled thinking the aircraft would not be able to complete the turn prior to the shore and increasing the rate of turn would risk capsizing the aircraft. He stated that he chopped the power and applied right rudder in an attempt to impact perpendicular to the shoreline. This was unsuccessful and the aircraft hit the shore at an angle. The right wing caught a tree which impacted 2 to 3 feet inboard of the tip. The instructor stated that there were no problems with the aircraft or engine prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

Failure by the flight instructor to maintain clearance to the tree. Contributing factors were the delayed remedial action by the flight instructor and the tree.

Full Narrative

On May 6, 2003, at 1200 central daylight time, a Cessna 182S, N182ND, piloted by a flight instructor and dual student, was substantially damaged when it collided with the shore and a tree during a step taxi on South Golden Lake, Hatton, North Dakota. The dual student was a private pilot receiving training in preparation for a single engine sea airplane rating. The instructional flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight instructor and dual student reported no injuries. The flight departed the Grand Forks International Airport (GFK), Grand Forks, North Dakota, at 1045 cdt. The flight instructor stated they had landed to the east and taxied back to the west side of the lake. The dual student then initiated a step taxi eastward across the lake, according to the instructor. The intention was for the student to enter a step turn as they approached the opposite shore line. The instructor reported that the dual student initiated the turn with aileron input only, no rudder. The instructor stated that he directed the student three times to apply rudder input for the turn. After the third request, the instructor stated he took control of the aircraft. The instructor recalled thinking the aircraft would not be able to complete the turn prior to the shore and increasing the rate of turn would risk capsizing the aircraft. He stated that he chopped the power and applied right rudder in an attempt to impact perpendicular to the shoreline. This was unsuccessful and the aircraft hit the shore at an angle. The right wing caught a tree which impacted 2 to 3 feet inboard of the tip. The instructor stated that there were no problems with the aircraft or engine prior to the accident. The aircraft was performing normally, according to the instructor.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 CDT
Nearest AirportSouth Golden Lake (0nm)
Runway090
Runway Length3000 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182S
Tail NumberN182ND
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorUniversity of North Dakota
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AB1A5 · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 69 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 19 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 10 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingOvercast 4400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 46
Altimeter29.80 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data