Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ATL96LA080

ENTERPRISE, AL, USA

Aircraft #1

N23298

Cessna 150H

Analysis

The pilot was performing the second solo flight in his training to add an airplane rating to his commercial helicopter certificate. During a touch-and-go landing on runway 23, the airplane ballooned, and the pilot initiated a go-around. As the airplane became airborne, it turned to the right, then collided with a tree about 200 from the side of the runway.

Factual Information

On April 14, 1996 about 1630 central daylight time, a Cessna 150H, N23298, collided with a tree while executing a go-around to Enterprise Municipal Airport, Enterprise, Alabama. The airplane was operated by Buck's Flying Service under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 and visual flight rules. No flight plan had been filed for the local, solo flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot received minor injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight had departed from Enterprise Municipal Airport at 1600. The flight instructor stated that he had been teaching the student touch and go landings that day. The flight instructor got out of the airplane, so the student could do his second solo flight. According to the FAA Inspector, the pilot holds a commercial pilot certificate in helicopters and was beginning his fixed wing training. The airplane ballooned on touchdown, and a go-around was executed. A witness stated that he saw "the mishap aircraft sidestep to the right side of the runway and impact the trees in a nose high, right wing slightly low, attitude." The wreckage was located about 200 feet from the side of runway 23, and 1,000 feet past the approach end of the runway. The right wing tip was separated, and was laying about 20 feet from the left wing. The left wing had almost broken off, and was displaced slightly forward of the normal position. The right wing leading edge indicated signature marks of striking a tree, verified by tree tops laying on the ground. The master switch was in the off position, and the ELT had been deactivated. The throttle was in the retarded position, and the mixture was in idle cut off.

Probable Cause and Findings

failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during a go-around. A factor relating to the accident was: improper flare by the pilot during the landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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