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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

March 2, 2012 · American Champion Aircraft 7GCAA · N518F

Bedminster, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 2, 2012
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Bedminster, NJ
Aircraft
American Champion Aircraft 7GCAA
Tail Number
N518F
Operator
Cinco De Flyo
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA204

The flight instructor stated that he and the pilot receiving instruction were practicing traffic pattern work and had performed two simulated engine failures without incident before the accident. The flight instructor initiated a third simulated engine failure at a higher altitude than the previous two and suggested the pilot receiving instruction perform S-turns to lose altitude. During the maneuver, the airplane descended too low to complete a power-off landing to the runway, and the flight instructor told the pilot receiving instruction to perform a go-around. The flight instructor also reached for the throttle to add full power for the go-around, but the airplane abruptly pitched down and impacted the ground, substantially damaging the wings and fuselage. Postaccident examination revealed that the pitch trim control was in the full forward (nose-down) position.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot receiving instruction’s inadvertent movement of the pitch trim control to the nose-down position while attempting a go-around.

Full Narrative

In a written statement, the flight instructor stated that he and the pilot were practicing traffic pattern work and had performed two simulated engine failures prior to the accident. The instructor initiated a third simulated engine failure at a higher altitude than the previous two, and he suggested the pilot perform S-turns to lose altitude. While completing the turns to dissipate altitude, the airplane descended too low to complete a power-off landing to the runway. The instructor called for a go-around and attempted to add power, but the airplane pitched down and impacted the ground which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The flight instructor reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The instructor reported that he has had students mistake the pitch trim control for the throttle on past flights and after the accident they found the trim control pushed full forward into the nose down position.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 EST
Nearest AirportSomerset Airport (0nm)
Runway30
Runway Length2733 ft
Runway Width65 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAmerican Champion Aircraft 7GCAA
Tail NumberN518F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCinco De Flyo
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 51 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind110° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 2900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point41 C / 36 C
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data