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NTSB Report

May 24, 2004 · Cessna 172 · N5302E

Decatur, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 24, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Decatur, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N5302E
Operator
Marcair
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW04LA138

The 1,750-hour flight instructor reported that during a simulated engine-out emergency landing, the airplane landed hard in a field and collided with trees. The flight instructor stated that he initiated a go-around, and informed the 80-hour student pilot several times that he had control of the airplane; however, the student pilot would not immediately take her hands from the controls. Subsequently, the airplane pitched up and rolled to the left before impacting the ground and colliding with trees.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to follow the flight instructor's instructions and relinquish the controls, and the flight instructor's delay in initiating a go-around.

Full Narrative

On May 24, 2004, at 1530 central daylight time, a Cessna 172 single-engine airplane, N5302E, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain following a loss of control while maneuvering near Decatur, Texas. The flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot were not injured. The airplane was registered to Air Golf Inc., of Coppell, Texas, and operated by Marcair Inc., of Roanoke, Texas. 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 Northwest Regional Airport, near Roanoke, Texas, at 1430. The 1,750-hour CFI reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that after completing high altitude maneuvers, he applied carburetor heat, and reduced power to "simulate an engine-out condition." The student pilot "went through the correct procedures and was lined up with a suitable field." Flaps were extended for a soft-field landing, and when it was clear that the field was made, the CFI added full power, carburetor heat, and initiated a go-around. The CFI informed the student that he had control of the airplane. The airplane "pitched up" as the CFI reduced the angle of attack and started to retract the flaps. As the airplane "pitched up again" the CFI told the student multiple times "it's my airplane," but the student pilot "would not let go of the controls." Subsequently, the airplane pitched up and rolled to the left impacting the ground and colliding with trees. The airplane came to rest upright in a nose low position. The 80-hour student pilot reported in a written statement that at an altitude of 2,500 feet, the CFI reduced power to simulate a loss of engine power. After performing items on the emergency checklist, the student pilot extended the flaps to 10 degrees and turned base to a field. After slowing the airplane to 65 knots, the student selected the flaps to 20 degrees. Upon turning final, the student pilot located a field for the simulated emergency, and selected full flaps. The student pilot stated that the CFI said, "power on, I'll get the flaps," followed by "I'll take the airplane." After the CFI took control of the airplane, the student pilot recalled hearing the CFI say at least two times "my airplane," before she realized her hands were still on the control yoke. Subsequently, the student pilot released the controls and closed her eyes before hearing a "thud" and "scraping" sounds. Examination of the airplane by an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the site of the accident, revealed the engine firewall was bent. The nose gear was separated from the fuselage. Both the left and right wings were bent. The outboard three feet of the left wing was bent upwards. Flight control continuity was established throughout the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN5302E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMarcair
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AC · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 38 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 52 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 15 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data