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October 1, 2015 · Cessna 172 L · N4286Q

Avalon, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 1, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Avalon, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172 L (1971)
Tail Number
N4286Q
Operator
Beach Cities Aviation Academy
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA002

The pilot reported that during his first approach to land he elected to go-around due to the crab angle and buffeting. On the second approach, he encountered downdrafts and moderate turbulence again on short final and applied power to go-around. During the go-around, the airplane continued to sink and impacted a cliff about 250 feet short of the runway threshold, and ultimately came to rest at the bottom of the cliff near a road. The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage. According to the airport manager, when the airplane was on final approach he announced on the common traffic advisory frequency, "wind 250 at 11 and use caution for down drafts and turbulence on short final." The accident pilot acknowledged the transmission. The airport manager continued to observe the airplane and witnessed the pitch angle continuously increase on final approach, and then he heard the engine power increase. Subsequently, the airport manager witnessed the airplane "stall" and "fall from view." The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's exceedance of the critical angle of attack in turbulent and downdraft conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain on final approach.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during his first approach to land he elected to go-around due to the crab angle and buffeting. On the second approach, he encountered downdrafts and moderate turbulence again on short final and applied power to go-around. During the go-around, the airplane continued to sink and impacted a cliff about 250 feet short of the runway threshold, and ultimately came to rest at the bottom of the cliff near a road. The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage. According to the airport manager, when the airplane was on final approach he announced on the common traffic advisory frequency, "wind 250 at 11 and use caution for down drafts and turbulence on short final." The accident pilot acknowledged the transmission. The airport manager continued to observe the airplane and witnessed the pitch angle continuously increase on final approach, and then he heard the engine power increase. Subsequently, the airport manager witnessed the airplane "stall" and "fall from view." The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 PDT
Nearest AirportCATALINA (0nm NE)
Runway22
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 L
Tail NumberN4286Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBeach Cities Aviation Academy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 55 · None
Crew 3None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 13 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time22:51
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data