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July 11, 2019 · Cessna 172 SP · N677DM

Vineyard Haven, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 11, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Vineyard Haven, MA
Aircraft
Cessna 172 SP (2004)
Tail Number
N677DM
Operator
Air Fleet Training Systems
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA401

The pilot reported that, while conducting an instrument landing system (ILS) approach at night in instrument meteorological conditions and while correcting course on the ILS, she saw full right deflection, corrected to the left, and then observed full left deflection on the course direction indicator about the decision altitude. She added that she then heard and felt a loud "bang." The airplane turned left, she aborted the approach, executed a missed approach, and declared an emergency. She was then vectored to a nearby airport where she landed the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. An examination by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed pine needles in the damaged section of the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 220° at 5 knots, visibility 1/4 statute mile, runway visual range 1,800 ft, variable 2,200 ft, cloud condition fog, vertical visibility 200 ft, temperature 21°C (70°F), dew point 21°C (70°F), and altimeter setting 30.01 inches of mercury. The pilot was landing the airplane on runway 24.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain lateral position in relation to the instrument approach course at night in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in collision with a tree.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, while conducting the instrument landing system (ILS) 24 approach at night in instrument meteorological conditions, while correcting course on the ILS, she saw full right deflection, corrected to the left, and then observed full left deflection on the course direction indicator (CDI) at about the decision altitude. She then heard and felt a loud "bang." The airplane turned left, she aborted the approach, executed the missed approach, and declared an emergency. She was then vectored to a nearby airport where she landed without further incident. An examination by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed pine needles in the damaged section of the airplane's left wing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 220° at 5 knots, visibility one-quarter statute miles, runway visual range 1,800 ft variable 2,200 ft, cloud condition fog, vertical visibility 200 ft, temperature 21°C (70°F), dew point 21°C (70°F), altimeter setting 30.01" Hg. The airplane was landing runway 24.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:54 EDT
Nearest AirportMartha'S Vineyard (0nm S)
Runway24
Runway Length5504 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 SP
Tail NumberN677DM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAir Fleet Training Systems
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightNight
Wind220° @ 5 kt
CeilingOvercast 200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 70 F
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time02:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data