Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary MIA94LA139

FERNANDINA, FL, USA

Aircraft #1

N99998

CESSNA 172P

Analysis

The student-rated pilot stated that while on final approach with 20 degrees of flaps and an airspeed of 65 knots, the left wing dropped to a 20-degree left bank angle. He applied left rudder and right aileron to correct the bank. This had no effect so he initiated a go-around. After removing carburetor heat and applying power the aircraft's nose pitched up and the left wing dropped to a 30-degree bank angle. The stall warning horn then activated and the aircraft's nosed dropped. The aircraft descended and impacted the ground. The pilot reported he had no mechanical difficulties with the aircraft.

Factual Information

On May 14, 1994, about 1400 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172P, N99998, registered to Civil Air Patrol Inc., operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 solo instructional flight crashed at Fernandina Beach, Florida while making a go-around. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The student-rated pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated Fernandina Beach, Florida, on May 14, 1994, at 1345. The pilot stated he was on short final approach to runway 4 at 40 feet agl with flaps extended to 20 degrees and an airspeed of 65 knots. The left wing dropped to a 20-degree bank angle. He attempted to correct the bank with left rudder and right aileron with no success. He turned off carburetor heat and applied power to go-around. The aircraft nosed up and the left wing dropped to a 30-degree bank. The stall warning horn then sounded and the aircraft nosed down. The aircraft descended and impacted the ground. He stated he had no mechanical problems with the aircraft.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S IMPROPER USE OF FLIGHT CONTROLS AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED RESULTING IN AN INADVERTENT STALL AND UNCONTROLLED DESCENT TO GROUND IMPACT.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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