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NTSB Report
November 30, 2017 · Cessna 172 S · N474SP
Bowie, MD
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 30, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bowie, MD
Aircraft
Cessna 172 S (1998)
Tail Number
N474SP
Operator
Goddard Aircraft Club
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA074
The pilot reported that, during approach to land in night conditions, he noticed that the airspeed displayed on a newly installed electronic flight instrument was reading slightly different than the airspeed indicator. He added that his altitude judgement was affected "by the scarcity of observable objects in the landing area, the 'black hole' effect, which was likely worsened by the brightness of the [electronic instrument]." When the pilot looked up from the instrument panel, he saw tree branches approaching. The airplane struck the trees and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain situational awareness during the approach to land. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction by the instrument panel during the approach.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, during approach to land in night conditions, he noticed that the airspeed displayed on a newly installed electronic flight instrument was reading slightly different than the airspeed indicator. He added that his altitude judgement was affected "by the scarcity of observable objects in the landing area, the "black hole" effect, which was likely worsened by the brightness of the [electronic instrument]". When the pilot looked up from the instrument panel, he saw tree branches approaching. The airplane struck the trees and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:45 EST
Nearest AirportFREEWAY (1nm)
Runway18
Runway Length2420 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172 S
Tail NumberN474SP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGoddard Aircraft Club
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 72 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind130° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 43 C
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time22:46
Weather SourceWFAC