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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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February 17, 2016 · Cessna 172 S · N35502

Newport News, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 17, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Newport News, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 172 S (2001)
Tail Number
N35502
Operator
Liberty University School of Aeronautics
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA134

According to the student pilot, he was performing his third stop and go landing, during his first solo flight. He reported that during the landing flare he heard the stall warning horn, and he bounced the landing while traveling at a ground speed of approximately 45 knots. The student pilot remarked that he was not able to control the airplanes lateral direction during the landing roll and the airplane exited the right side of the runway subsequently impacting a drainage culvert. The airplane sustained substantial damage to right wing and the fire wall. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the airplane prior to, or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, resulting in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

According to the student pilot, he was performing his third stop and go landing, during his first solo flight. He reported that during the landing flare he heard the stall warning horn, and he bounced the landing while traveling at a ground speed of approximately 45 knots. The student pilot remarked that he was not able to control the airplanes lateral direction during the landing roll and the airplane exited the right side of the runway subsequently impacting a drainage culvert. The airplane sustained substantial damage to right wing and the fire wall. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the airplane prior to, or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 EST
Nearest AirportNewport News/Williamsburg Intl (0nm NW)
Runway07
Runway Length8003 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 S
Tail NumberN35502
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLiberty University School of Aeronautics
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 4200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 34 C
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time14:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data