Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172S near Peoria, IL — 2013-01-24

Final reportCEN13CA142
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Date
2013-01-24
Location
Peoria, IL, USA
Airport
PIA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172S
Registration
N5113J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadvertent activation of the electric trim to the nose-down position, which resulted in the airplane being improperly configured for takeoff, and the flight instructor’s incorrect remedial action that allowed the airplane to porpoise.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that during the takeoff, shortly after rotation, the airplane’s nose pitched downward and the airplane bounced on the runway. He stated that after the first bounce, the flight instructor took control and that the airplane bounced several more times before coming to rest on its nose. The flight instructor reported that preflight and pretakeoff checks were performed, no airplane deficiencies were noted, and the elevator trim was set for takeoff. He added that he took control after the first bounce and attempted to abort the takeoff. The airplane bounced violently four or five more times. The flight instructor attempted to stop the airplane by retarding the throttle, applying up elevator for aerodynamic braking, and trying to keep the nosewheel off of the ground. The airplane’s nose landing gear had collapsed and the firewall and fuselage had sustained damage. Although the flight instructor said that the elevator trim was set for takeoff, postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the elevator trim was in the full nose-down position. Although it could not be definitively determined, it is likely that the pilot inadvertently actuated the electric trim switch on the yoke before takeoff. Examination of the airplane's control system revealed no anomalies that existed before the accident that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after the first bounce.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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