Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172M near Sturgis, SD — 2011-11-11

Final reportCEN12LA059
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Date
2011-11-11
Location
Sturgis, SD, USA
Airport
49B
Aircraft
CESSNA 172M
Registration
N13584
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff with extended flaps.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor stated that during the student pilot’s second solo landing, the airplane’s flaps were not retracted before the next takeoff. After takeoff, the airplane pitched up to a 60-degree nose-up attitude. According to the flight instructor, the airplane’s engine sounded like it was developing full power. The airplane entered a half-turn spin and impacted the terrain vertically. Postaccident examination showed that the flaps were extended and revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction or anomaly that would have precluded normal operation. Toxicology tests detected acetaminophen and diphenhydramine in the pilot's urine. Although diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness, the investigation could not determine whether it contributed to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have raised flaps before takeoff to prevent loss of control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 11 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents11

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