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August 28, 2004 · Cessna 172R · N26486

Atlanta, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 28, 2004
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Atlanta, GA
Aircraft
Cessna 172R
Tail Number
N26486
Operator
Pdk Flight Academy
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL04CA170

According to the certified flight instructor (CFI), during takeoff climb at approximately 75 feet the dual student told the CFI to "take the airplane; we've got to go down now". The CFI replied "ok my airplane". The CFI attempted to add full power to conduct a go-around. The dual student's hand remained on the throttle. The CFI told the dual student that he had to conduct a go-around, the dual student responded "no we have to get down now". The CFI instructed the dual student to "let go of the throttle; my airplane; we need full power". The CFI attempted to add full power but the dual student continued to pull the power back to idle. The CFI yelled at the dual student "you're going to kill us; let go!" The CFI applied full elevator back pressure and the airplane collided with the airport fence. No flight control or mechanical anomalies were reported by the CFI or the dual student.

NTSB Probable Cause

The intentional interuption of the flight controls in flight that resulted in a uncontrolled descent and collision with a fence.

Full Narrative

On August 28, 2004, at 0906 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172R, N26486, registered to T J Aviation Inc. and operated by PDK flight Academy collided with the ground an a fence during takeoff climb from Peachtree-Dekalb Airport, Chamblee, Georgia. The instructional flight was conducted under the provision of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was substantially damaged and the certified flight instructor and private pilot reported minor injuries. The flight departed Peachtree-Dekalb Airport, Chamblee, Georgia on August 28, 2004 at 0900. According to the certified flight instructor (CFI), during takeoff climb at approximately 75 feet the dual student told the CFI to "take the airplane; we've got to go down now". The CFI replied "ok my airplane". With no runway left to land, the CFI attempted to add full power to conduct a go-around. The dual students hand remained on the throttle, and prevented the CFI from regaining full control of the airplane. The CFI told the dual student that he had to conduct a go-around, but the dual student responded "no we have to get down now". The CFI instructed the dual student to "let go of the throttle; my airplane; we need full power". The CFI attempted to add full power but the dual student continued to pull the power back to idle. The CFI yelled at the dual student "you're going to kill us; let go!" The CFI applied full elevator back pressure and the airplane collided with the airport fence. No flight control or mechanical anomalies were reported by the CFI or the dual student prior to the accident. According to the dual student, he felt apprehensive since he hadn't flown for some time. During the climb out the dual student told the CFI "we need to go down now" and pulled out the throttle and adjusted the yoke to land. The CFI responded "no, we'll go around". According to the dual student, the CFI tried to take control of the control yoke, but the dual student would not let go. The airplane collided with the ground and slid into the airport fence. Examination of the airplane revealed the aft cabin section of the airplane was buckled. Both left and right wing assemblies were buckled, and the main landing gears were bent aft towards the tail section of the airplane. The pilots reported no mechanical problems with the airplane during the short flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:06 EDT
Nearest AirportDekalb-Peachtree (0nm N)
Runway20R
Runway Length3744 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172R
Tail NumberN26486
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPdk Flight Academy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 26 · First Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 46 · None · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time12:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data