Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172M near Santa Ana, CA — 2023-04-01

Final reportWPR23LA146
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Date
2023-04-01
Location
Santa Ana, CA, USA
Airport
KSNA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172M
Registration
N1399U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain clearance from a commercial airliner which resulted in an encounter with wake turbulence and subsequent loss of control resulting in impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that while practicing crosswind landings with his student, the tower advised the pilot of wake turbulence from a commercial airliner on the parallel runway. They flew a steeper approach but noticed a moderate right quartering headwind on the windsock. At about 100 feet above ground level the airplane encountered wake turbulence and banked sharply to the right. Both pilots added full left aileron and applied backpressure to the yoke as the airplane contacted the terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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