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December 5, 2023 · Textron Aviation 172S · N53AA

Social Circle, GA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 5, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Social Circle, GA
Aircraft
Textron Aviation 172S (2016)
Tail Number
N53AA
Operator
Academy of Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA24LA057

According to the flight instructor, he was simulating an engine failure with the student pilot. He selected a field to approach and proceeded to reduce the engine rpm to simulate the engine failure. They continued the maneuver until they were approximately 100 feet above the ground, at which point he instructed the student pilot to add full power and climb out. The student pilot complied, but right at that moment, the flight instructor felt a heavy gust of wind. He described it as a downdraft, and despite the engine producing full power, it would not climb. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and attempted to recover it from the descent. The airplane continued to descend until it collided with a fence and touched down in the field. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer. The pilots reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An engine test run was facilitated, and no anomalies were noted during the test.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Fence/fence post-Ability to respond/compensate

Full Narrative

According to the flight instructor, he was simulating an engine failure with the student pilot. He selected a field to approach and proceeded to reduce the engine rpm to simulate the engine failure. They continued the maneuver until they were approximately 100 feet above the ground, at which point he instructed the student pilot to add full power and climb out. The student pilot complied, but right at that moment, the flight instructor felt a heavy gust of wind. He described it as a downdraft, and despite the engine producing full power, it would not climb. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and attempted to recover it from the descent. The airplane continued to descended until it collided with a fence and touched down in the field. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer. The pilots reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An engine test run was facilitated, and no anomalies were noted during the test.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 EST
Nearest AirportSleepy Hollow (0.2nm SSE)
Runway34
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width22 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTextron Aviation 172S
Tail NumberN53AA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAcademy of Aviation
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 35 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 45 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 9 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 37 C
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time14:27
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data