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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

December 10, 2015 · Cessna 172 M · N9868Q

Abilene, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 10, 2015
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Abilene, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 172 M (1975)
Tail Number
N9868Q
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA076

The flight instructor reported that during a simulated power off emergency landing, the student pilot flared "too abruptly" causing the airplane to balloon about 20 feet above the ground. The flight instructor reported that the student pilot applied full power, placed the carburetor heat to the closed positioned, and "pitched up". The flight instructor reported that he did not react to the control inputs of the student pilot "fast" enough. The airplane stalled, rotated left, and impacted the ground with the left wing. The student pilot reported that while landing he applied back pressure on the yoke during flare, but "must have pulled back too much", causing the airplane to balloon. He reported that he attempted to allow the airplane to settle back to the runway. The student pilot reported that the flight instructor said that "he had the controls". The student pilot removed his left hand from the yoke, his feet away from the rudder pedals, and took his right hand away from the throttle. The student pilot reported that the flight instructor added full power to attempt to go-around subsequently the airplane turned left and the left wing impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to left wing and fuselage. The flight instructor reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's abrupt control inputs during the flare, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's lack of over sight and delayed reaction while landing.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that during a simulated power off emergency landing, the student pilot flared "too abruptly" causing the airplane to balloon about 20 feet above the ground. The flight instructor reported that the student pilot applied full power, placed the carburetor heat to the closed positioned, and "pitched up". The flight instructor reported that he did not react to the control inputs of the student pilot "fast" enough. The airplane stalled, rotated left, and impacted the ground with the left wing. The student pilot reported that while landing he applied back pressure on the yoke during flare, but "must have pulled back too much", causing the airplane to balloon. He reported that he attempted to allow the airplane to settle back to the runway. The student pilot reported that the flight instructor said that "he had the controls". The student pilot removed his left hand from the yoke, his feet away from the rudder pedals, and took his right hand away from the throttle. The student pilot reported that the flight instructor added full power to attempt to go-around subsequently the airplane turned left and the left wing impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to left wing and fuselage. The flight instructor reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:45 CST
Nearest AirportElmdale Airpark (0nm ENE)
Runway17
Runway Length2900 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 M
Tail NumberN9868Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 68 · Second Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 55 · None · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 34 C
Altimeter29.85 inHg
Observation Time16:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data