Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172M near Rimrock, WA — 2009-06-28

Final reportWPR09FA316
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Date
2009-06-28
Location
Rimrock, WA, USA
Airport
4S6
Aircraft
CESSNA 172M
Registration
N4396R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Go-around

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during a go-around. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of flight experience, and his delayed initiation of a go-around.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of flight experience, and his delayed initiation of a go-around.

NTSB narrative

The pilot attempted to perform a landing at the back country turf airstrip. He had not landed at this airstrip before and witnesses reported gusty tail wind conditions existed as the pilot attempted the landing. The runway was surrounded by trees, and rapidly rising mountainous terrain existed at the departure end of the accident runway. The terrain is such that under most circumstances, landings are made in the direction of this runway irrespective of wind conditions. Witnesses observed the airplane approach the runway high and fast. The airplane did not touch down at the normal touchdown point, but rather continued at tree top level before the pilot added power about 3/4 of the way along the runway. The airplane then struck trees at the end of the runway in a nose high attitude. Post accident examination of the engine and airframe did not reveal any malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal flight. The pilot had relatively low total flight experience, which included 2 hours of total flight time in the preceding 90 days, with his last flight occurring 2 months prior to the accident. Additionally, he had no experience landing at turf airstrips, or airports located within mountainous terrain.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for a go-around earlier to avoid obstacles.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents22

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