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NTSB Report
August 13, 2011 · Cessna 172M · N5399Q
Elkins, WV
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 13, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Elkins, WV
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N5399Q
Operator
Michael D Knopp
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA11CA450
The certified flight instructor (CFI) directed the student pilot to perform a touch-and-go landing. During climb out, the CFI informed the student they would be conducting some mountain flying and instructed him to climb straight ahead over a ridge line. Upon clearing the ridge line, the CFI directed the student to make a right turn into a canyon. After entering the canyon, the CFI realized he was in the wrong area and the airplane would be unable to clear the ridge line in front of them. He took control of the airplane and made a left turn towards the left side of the canyon. He then initiated a hard right turn and realized there was insufficient room to reverse course. He leveled the wings of the airplane and it collided with the trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage and came to rest on the side of the ridge. The CFI stated there were no mechanical problems with the airplane and he was unfamiliar with the geographic area.
NTSB Probable Cause
The flight instructor's unfamiliarity with the geographic area, resulting in controlled flight into terrain.
Full Narrative
The certified flight instructor (CFI) informed the student pilot to make a touch-and-go landing. During climb out, the CFI informed the student they would be conducting some mountain flying and to climb straight ahead over a ridge line. Upon clearing the ridge line, the CFI instructed the student to make a right turn into a canyon. After entering the canyon, the CFI realized he was in the wrong area and the airplane would be unable to clear the ridge line to their immediate front. He took control of the airplane and made a left turn towards the left side of the canyon. He then initiated a hard right turn and realized there was insufficient room to reverse course. He leveled the wings of the airplane and it collided with the trees. The airplane sustained structural damage and came to rest on the side of the ridge. The CFI stated there were no mechanical problems with the airplane and he was unfamiliar with the geographic area.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN5399Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMichael D Knopp
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 61 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 35 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time15:51