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NTSB Report

December 23, 2019 · Cessna 172 N · N739SB

Pineville, LA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 23, 2019
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Pineville, LA
Aircraft
Cessna 172 N (1978)
Tail Number
N739SB
Operator
Flightline Leasing
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20CA040

The pilot reported that, while on final approach, he listened to the automated weather broadcast at a local airport to confirm wind direction and speed. The broadcast weather indicated that there would be a left quartering headwind, and the wave direction on the surface of the lake surrounding the airport corroborated this information. The pilot stated that the wind was gusting, but he was able to touch down smoothly on the runway. The airplane encountered a "strong" wind gust from the right and then headed left toward a ditch. The pilot increased the throttle to conduct an aborted landing. The airplane gained altitude and avoided impacting the ditch; however, the wing struck a tree, and the airplane flipped over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wing. 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 failure to attain an adequate climb rate during an aborted landing with a left quartering, gusting headwind, which resulted in impact with a tree.

Full Narrative

The private pilot reported that he checked aviation weather services and an automated weather broadcast before departing with a passenger on a local sightseeing flight. As the flight was returning to land, the pilot listened to the automated weather broadcast at a local airport to confirm wind direction and speed. The destination airport windsock was not operational. The broadcasted weather indicated there would be a left quartering headwind, and the wave direction on the surface of the lake surrounding the airport corroborated this wind condition. The pilot stated that the wind was gusty, but he was able to touch down smoothly on the runway. The airplane encountered a "strong" wind gust from the right side, and the airplane headed left towards a ditch. The pilot increased the throttle to perform an aborted landing. The airplane gained altitude and avoided impacting the ditch, a parked airplane, and a fence. However, the wing struck a small tree, and the airplane "flipped" at that point and sustained substantial fuselage and wing damage. The pilot stated there was no mechanical malfunction/failure of the airplane during the flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 CST
Nearest AirportPineville Muni (0nm NW)
Runway36
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 N
Tail NumberN739SB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFlightline Leasing
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 10 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data