Cessna 172 near Manteo, NC — 2019-06-30

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during initial climb, he "started to feel the airspeed drop" and that he attempted to regain airspeed by lowering the airplane's nose. The airspeed continued to drop, and the airplane aerodynamically stalled and subsequently impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, the horizontal stabilizer, and the elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Aerodynamic stall/spin · Initial climb
• Departure Stall

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Accident Photosphotos

Related mishaps

• BEECH B35

  2026-01-02 · La Casa, TX

• CESSNA 172

  2025-12-07 · Pensacola, FL

• CHAMPION 7ECA

  2025-10-07 · East Rockingham, NC

• BEECH C23

  2025-09-10 · South Bend, IN

• SCHWEIZER AIRCRAFT CORP G-164B

  2025-09-09 · Dover, DE

• BEECH 35

  2025-07-13 · Cedarcreek, MO