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NTSB Report

July 28, 2016 · Cessna 172 E · N3677S

Rexburg, ID

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 28, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Rexburg, ID
Aircraft
Cessna 172 E (1964)
Tail Number
N3677S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA403

The student pilot reported that while practicing short-field landings on runway 17, a 4,200 foot asphalt runway, he overshot his intended landing area. He reported that about 65 knots indicated air speed and 25 feet above ground level (AGL), he executed a go-around by applying mixture rich, full throttle, carburetor heat cold, but the electric flaps were left fully extended. He reported that he pulled back on the yoke, but he could not get the airplane to climb, and the airplane descended to the right side of the runway, and touched down in the safety area to the right of the runway and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, vertical stabilizer and the rudder. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with any portion of the airplane during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operations. Photographs of the accident airplane provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) showed the airplane inverted with the flaps extended. The airplane manufacturer pilot operating handbook prescribed Balked Landing procedure states: 1. Throttle – Full Open 2. Carburetor Heat – Cold 3. Wing Flaps - 20 Degrees (Immediately) 4. Climb Speed – 55 Knots 5. Wing Flaps 10 Degrees (Until obstacles are cleared) Retract (after reaching a safe altitude and 60 KIAS) The meteorological aerodrome report at accident airport about the time of the accident indicated: The temperature was 90 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point was 37 degrees Fahrenheit, the wind was out of 170 degrees true at 7 knots and varying between 140 degrees and 200 degrees true. The altimeter setting was 30.10. The field elevation at the airport was 4,858 feet and the density altitude was 7,850 feet. According to the FAA Pamphlet 8740-2 pertaining to Density Altitude: Whether due to high altitude, high temperature, or both, reduced air density (reported in terms of density altitude) adversely affects aerodynamic performance and decreases the engine's horsepower output. Takeoff distance, power available (in normally aspirated engines), and climb rate are all adversely affected. Landing distance is affected as well; although the indicated airspeed (IAS) remains the same, the true airspeed (TAS) increases. From the pilot's point of view, therefore, an increase in density altitude results in the following: • Increased takeoff distance. • Reduced rate of climb. • Increased TAS (but same IAS) on approach and landing. According to the aforementioned FAA Pamphlet, the Koch Chart (chart in docket) depicting the relationship between airport temperature (90 degrees) and airport pressure altitude (4,693 feet), the climb rate decreases by 64 percent. The pilot initiated the balked landing procedure at 25 feet AGL.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to retract the flaps during a go-around in high density altitude conditions, resulting in the airplane's inability to climb and a subsequent collision with terrain and nose over.

Full Narrative

The student pilot reported that while practicing short-field landings on runway 17, a 4,200 foot asphalt runway, he overshot his intended landing area. He reported that about 65 knots indicated air speed and 25 feet above ground level (AGL), he executed a go-around by applying mixture rich, full throttle, carburetor heat cold, but the electric flaps were left fully extended. He reported that he pulled back on the yoke, but he could not get the airplane to climb, and the airplane descended to the right side of the runway, and touched down in the safety area to the right of the runway and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, vertical stabilizer and the rudder. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with any portion of the airplane during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operations. Photographs of the accident airplane provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) showed the airplane inverted with the flaps extended. The airplane manufacturer pilot operating handbook prescribed Balked Landing procedure states: 1. Throttle – Full Open 2. Carburetor Heat – Cold 3. Wing Flaps - 20 Degrees (Immediately) 4. Climb Speed – 55 Knots 5. Wing Flaps 10 Degrees (Until obstacles are cleared) Retract (after reaching a safe altitude and 60 KIAS) The meteorological aerodrome report at accident airport about the time of the accident indicated: The temperature was 90 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point was 37 degrees Fahrenheit, the wind was out of 170 degrees true at 7 knots and varying between 140 degrees and 200 degrees true. The altimeter setting was 30.10. The field elevation at the airport was 4,858 feet and the density altitude was 7,850 feet. According to the FAA Pamphlet 8740-2 pertaining to Density Altitude: Whether due to high altitude, high temperature, or both, reduced air density (reported in terms of density altitude) adversely affects aerodynamic performance and decreases the engine's horsepower output. Takeoff distance, power available (in normally aspirated engines), and climb rate are all adversely affected. Landing distance is affected as well; although the indicated airspeed (IAS) remains the same, the true airspeed (TAS) increases. From the pilot's point of view, therefore, an increase in density altitude results in the following: • Increased takeoff distance. • Reduced rate of climb. • Increased TAS (but same IAS) on approach and landing. According to the aforementioned FAA Pamphlet, the Koch Chart (chart in docket) depicting the relationship between airport temperature (90 degrees) and airport pressure altitude (4,693 feet), the climb rate decreases by 64 percent. The pilot initiated the balked landing procedure at 25 feet AGL.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 MDT
Nearest AirportRexburg-Madison County (0nm ESE)
Runway17
Runway Length4204 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 E
Tail NumberN3677S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · 0-300 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data