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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 4, 2017 · Cessna 172 M · N50526

Payson, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 4, 2017
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Payson, AZ
Aircraft
Cessna 172 M (1974)
Tail Number
N50526
Operator
Classic Air Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
GAA17CA318

The pilot reported that, during an approach to runway 22, the airplane drifted to the right of the runway centerline. He initiated a go-around by turning off the carburetor heat, applying full throttle, decreasing the flaps from 30° to 20°, and pushing forward on the yoke to increase airspeed; the airplane then began to settle into ground effect. The pilot saw that the terrain began to rise, and he recalled that the noise abatement procedure called for a right turn to 270°, so he turned to the right before establishing a climb. The airplane descended into rising terrain, struck trees, and impacted the ground and became engulfed in flames. The postcrash fire destroyed the fuselage. The METAR reported that the wind was variable at 4 knots and that the temperature was 84°F. The field elevation was 5,504 ft, and the altimeter setting was 30.14 inches of mercury. The density altitude was 8,255 ft. Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by reviewing the airplane's performance data and atmospheric conditions, especially density altitude and its effect on performance per the manufacturer's Pilot's Operating Handbook. The pilot stated that he would place greater emphasis on performance planning as an essential activity during flight planning. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning that did not account for high-density altitude conditions and his subsequent attempted go-around in conditions that prevented the airplane from attaining a positive climb rate and resulted in its subsequent descent and impact with rising terrain.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during an approach to runway 22, the airplane drifted to the right of the runway centerline. He initiated a go-around by turning off the carburetor heat, he applied full throttle, he increased the flaps from 30° to 20°, and he pushed forward on the yoke to increase airspeed. He noticed that the airplane began to settle into ground effect. He saw that the terrain began to rise and he recalled that the noise abatement procedure called for a right turn to 270°, so the pilot turned to the right before establishing a climb. The airplane descended into rising terrain, struck trees and impacted the ground and became engulfed in flames. The post-crash fire destroyed the airplane's fuselage. The METAR reported that the wind was variable at 4 kts. and the temperature was 84° Fahrenheit. The field elevation was 5,504 ft. and the altimeter setting was 30.14. The density altitude was 8,255 ft. Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by reviewing the airplane's performance data and atmospheric conditions, especially density altitude and its effect on performance per the manufacturer pilot operating handbook. In the future, the pilot vowed to place greater emphasis on performance planning as an essential activity during flight planning. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:24 MST
Nearest AirportPAYSON (2nm WNW)
Runway24
Runway Length5504 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 M
Tail NumberN50526
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorClassic Air Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class · Minor
Crew 2Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point32 C
Altimeter30.13 inHg
Observation Time17:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data