Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172P near Valley Springs, CA — 2017-12-14

Final reportWPR18CA048
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Date
2017-12-14
Location
Valley Springs, CA, USA
Airport
UNK
Aircraft
CESSNA 172P
Registration
N54873
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering for landing and his decision to land on a surface with obstructions.

NTSB narrative

The two commercial pilots reported that the purpose of the flight was to identify suitable emergency landing sites in the area. They located a small private airport, and they decided to make a landing. The right-seat pilot took control and made a low pass over the runway and saw piles of gravel blocking half the width of the runway. He decided to attempt a short-field landing. While maneuvering for landing, the airplane was in a left bank turn when the wing collided with a tree. The pilot applied rudder control and thought about going around but decided against it due to trees blocking the runway. He entered the airplane into a left-wing-down slip as he tried to keep the airplane as level as possible. The airplane touched down on the right landing gear, and the right wing dug into the dirt. The airplane subsequently came to rest inverted. During the accident sequence, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation. Neither pilot submitted the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Form 6120.1.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing after seeing gravel on runway.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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