Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172D near Auburn, WA — 2017-12-07

Final reportWPR18LA047
Sign in to save
Date
2017-12-07
Location
Auburn, WA, USA
Airport
S50
Aircraft
CESSNA 172D
Registration
N2351U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane yawed right, and he experienced a loss of aileron control effectiveness while on final approach for landing. He applied engine power to go around, which he perceived to worsen the problem, then chose to reduce power and land. The airplane touched down on the runway about 45° off runway heading, continued off the runway, and impacted a water retention pond. Examination of the aileron flight control system revealed no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction. There was evidence that the right wing contacted the runway during landing, and aileron control cable tension could not be measured due to the damage to the wing. The reason for the reported aileron flight control malfunction could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the landing earlier after losing aileron control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

Related mishaps