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January 28, 2026 · Cessna 172 P · N51204

Lafayette, IN

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 28, 2026
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Lafayette, IN
Aircraft
Cessna 172 P (1980)
Tail Number
N51204
Operator
Purdue Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN26LA106

The flight instructor and student departed on a local instructional flight which was the student pilot’s third flight lesson to practice maneuvers. During a power-off stall recovery, the student pilot excessively pitched the airplane down and added full throttle. The student pilot froze on the controls and before the flight instructor could gain control of the airplane, the airplane accelerated past the “never exceed” (Vne) airspeed. The flight instructor slowed the airplane below Vne and gently recovered the airplane out of the dive. Suspecting structural damage, the pilot declared an emergency and return back to the airport without further incident. A post flight examination found damage to both wings and vertical stabilizer. The flight instructor reported that the accident could have been prevented with a “[m]ore complete briefing prior to completing any training maneuver” and “[p]roper preparedness to respond to incorrect/dangerous student actions.” 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 flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student during a stall recovery that developed into unusual attitude and exceedance of the airplane’s never exceed airspeed which resulted in structural damage to the airplane.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor and student departed on a local instructional flight which was the student pilot’s third flight lesson to practice maneuvers. During a power-off stall recovery, the student pilot excessively pitched the airplane down and added full throttle. The student pilot froze on the controls and before the flight instructor could gain control of the airplane, the airplane accelerated past the “never exceed” (Vne) airspeed. The flight instructor slowed the airplane below Vne and gently recovered the airplane out of the dive. Suspecting structural damage, the pilot declared an emergency and return back to the airport without further incident. A post flight examination found damage to both wings and vertical stabilizer. The flight instructor reported that the accident could have been prevented with a “[m]ore complete briefing prior to completing any training maneuver” and “[p]roper preparedness to respond to incorrect/dangerous student actions.” The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:07 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 P
Tail NumberN51204
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPurdue Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D2J · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 21 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 20 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 F / -4 F
Altimeter30.28 inHg
Observation Time09:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data