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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

December 7, 2023 · Cessna 172 N · N906KS

Zephyrhills, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 7, 2023
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Zephyrhills, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 172 N (1979)
Tail Number
N906KS
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA24LA059

A student pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings with his flight instructor. An airport surveillance video showed the airplane flying about 50 ft above ground level in a nose high, left wing low attitude. The left bank continued to steepen, the airplane’s nose pitched downward, and the airplane began descending steeply toward the ground in a manner consistent with the airplane entering an aerodynamic stall. Due to their injuries, the student pilot could not recall what occurred during the third touch-and-go landing, while the flight instructor was unable to provide any recollection of the flight. Examination of the airplane did not reveal evidence of any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. Based on the available information, it is likely that the airplane encountered an aerodynamic stall from which the pilots did not recover while maneuvering in the airport traffic pattern.

NTSB Probable Cause

An aerodynamic stall from which the pilots did not recover while maneuvering in the airport traffic pattern.

Full Narrative

On December 7, 2023, about 1248 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172N, N906KS, was substantially damaged when it was involved in accident near Zephyrhills, Florida. The flight instructor and student pilot were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. According to the student pilot, he had about 11 hours of total flight experience. He stated that he and the flight instructor flew from Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL), Lakeland, Florida, to Zephyrhills Municipal Airport (ZPH), Zephyrhills, Florida, to practice some touch-and-go landings on runway 5. The flight instructor demonstrated the first touch-and-go landing. The student pilot recalled performing the second touch-and-go landing but did not remember what occurred during the third touch-and-go landing. He recalled waking up in the hospital. Due to his injuries, the flight instructor was unable to provide a statement. An airport surveillance video showed the airplane flying about 50 ft above ground level in a nose high, left wing low attitude. The left bank continued to steepen, the airplane’s nose pitched downward, and the airplane began descending steeply toward the ground. Initial examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that it came to rest on the left side of runway 5. The left wing and engine mounts sustained substantial damage. The airplane was subsequently examined after it was recovered from the accident site. Continuity of the flight control cables was traced through separations that were consistent with overload or cuts that were made by recovery personnel to facilitate transportation of the wreckage. All of the primary flight controls were free to move by hand, and felt smooth through those movements. The top spark plugs of the engine were removed and the propeller was rotated by hand; thumb compression was established on all cylinders. Engine powertrain and valvetrain continuity were verified to the rear accessory section of the engine. Both magnetos produced spark on all leads when their input drives were rotated by an electric drill. The carburetor was opened for examination; it was clean and clear of debris. No anomalies were noted with either the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:48 EST
Nearest AirportZephyrhills Muni (1nm N)
Runway05
Runway Length5001 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 N
Tail NumberN906KS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 22 · First Class · Serious
Crew 2Age 33 · First Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 46
Altimeter30.21 inHg
Observation Time13:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data