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October 25, 2008 · Cessna 172 P · N54971

Monticello, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 25, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Monticello, IN
Aircraft
Cessna 172 P
Tail Number
N54971
Operator
Lafayette Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA041

The pilot and three passengers in a Cessna 172P, which had 40 gallons of fuel on board, were on final approach to runway 36 after a 30 minute flight. The pilot reported that when the airplane was about 50 feet above ground level (agl), he executed a go-around because it felt like the winds were pushing the airplane left of the runway. He pushed in the throttle, raised the flaps 1 notch, and gradually raised the airplane's pitch attitude. (He did not push in the Carburetor Heat to the OFF position.) He reported that the airplane stalled and subsequently nosed over when the propeller impacted the terrain. The airport manager observed the airplane approaching from the south and landing on runway 36 even though the winds were out of the south. He reported that the pilot attempted to go-around when the airplane was about 15 feet agl, but the airplane stalled as it attempted to climb at low airspeed with a tailwind component. The airport manager noted that the winds were 220 degrees at 12 knots. A windsock and wind "T" were installed at the airport.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot stalled the airplane during a go-around. Contributing to the accident included the pilot's improper in-flight decision, the tailwind landing, and the pilot's failure to put the carburetor Heat to "OFF" during the go-around.

Full Narrative

The 19-year-old private pilot and three passengers in a Cessna 172P, which had 40 gallons of fuel on board, were on final approach to runway 36 after a 30 minute flight. The pilot reported that everything "seemed normal" until the airplane was about 50 feet above ground level (agl). He reported, "It felt like wind gusts were pushing me off the runway to the left." The pilot executed a go-around by pushing in the throttle, raising the flaps 1 notch, and gradually raising the airplane's pitch attitude. He reported that the airplane did not respond and it kept losing altitude. He reported that the airplane stalled and subsequently nosed over when the propeller impacted the terrain about 20 feet from the runway. The pilot and passengers exited the airplane through the front windshield without injuries. The airport manager reported that the airport's office was closed since it was after 5 PM, and he was out walking the dogs. He observed the airplane approaching from the south and landing on runway 36 even though the winds were out of the south. He reported that pilot attempted to go-around when the airplane was about 15 feet agl. He reported that the airplane stalled as it attempted to climb at low airspeed with a tailwind component. The airplane impacted the terrain and nosed over. The occupants had already exited the airplane when he arrived with a fire extinguisher. When he got back to the office, he noted that the winds were 220 degrees at 12 knots. The time of the accident was 1710. He reported that the airport's wind "T" and windsock were visible to the pilot. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented had he done the following: 1. Known the exact weather and forecast weather en route and at the destination. 2. Thoroughly calculated the Weight and Balance for the flight. 3. Made quicker and smarter decisions. 4. Made sure the Carburetor Heat was OFF on final approach.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:10 EDT
Nearest AirportWhite County Airporr (0nm)
Runway36
Runway Length4002 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 P
Tail NumberN54971
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLafayette Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 19 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4700 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 37 C
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time20:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data