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NTSB Report

August 3, 2006 · Cessna 172M · N12626

San Andreas, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 3, 2006
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
San Andreas, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N12626
Operator
Tdl Aero Enterprises
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX06CA252

The airplane stalled and impacted terrain during a soft-field takeoff. The student pilot was practicing a soft-field takeoff in preparation for his private pilot check ride. The student conducted the soft-field takeoff with the airplane established in a nose high pitch attitude. The student failed to reduce the wing's angle of attack and the airplane very quickly rose above ground effect. The certificated flight instructor (CFI) said that the student was a little slow in lowering the nose of the airplane to gain airspeed, but he (the CFI) delayed taking corrective action since the student's check ride was coming up and he wanted to see the student take action on his own. The student informed the CFI that it felt as though the right wing wanted to drop. The CFI took control of the airplane, lowered the nose and applied left aileron, but it was too late. The left wing dropped and the airplane descended to ground impact.

NTSB Probable Cause

the student pilot's improper soft-field takeoff technique and failure to obtain and maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall mush. The certificated flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the maneuver was also causal.

Full Narrative

On August 3, 2006, at 1415 Pacific daylight time a Cessna 172M, N12626, impacted terrain and a ditch during takeoff from runway 13 at the Calaveras County Airport (CPU) near San Andreas, California. The certificated flight instructor (CFI), the dual student, and a passenger were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to a company doing business as (d.b.a.) TDL Aero Enterprises, Merced, California. The instructional flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed for the local training flight, which originated about 15 minutes prior to the accident. According to the CFI, he was providing instruction for the student pilot who was preparing for his private pilot check ride. They flew from Merced and landed at Calaveras County and conducted a couple of takeoffs and landings. They were in the process of practicing a soft-field takeoff when the accident occurred. The CFI's account of the sequence revealed that the student conducted the soft-field takeoff with the airplane established in a nose high pitch attitude. The CFI said that the airplane very quickly rose above ground effect and the student was a little slow in lowering the nose of the airplane to gain airspeed. The instructor said he delayed taking corrective action since the student's check ride was coming up and he wanted to see the student take action on his own. The flight continued and the student informed the CFI that it felt as though the right wing wanted to drop. The CFI took control of the airplane, lowered the nose and applied left aileron, but it was too late. The left wing dropped and the airplane descended to ground impact.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 PDT
Nearest AirportCalaveras County (0nm)
Runway13
Runway Length3603 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN12626
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTdl Aero Enterprises
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 66 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 17 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter29.80 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data