Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near Broomfield, CO — 2022-05-11

Final reportCEN22FA197
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Date
2022-05-11
Location
Broomfield, CO, USA
Airport
BJC
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N73670
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB narrative

Flight track data indicated that the pilot was returning to the departure airport. The pilot had flown to a nearby airport and then performed several flight maneuvers in a nearby practice area. He performed a touch and go landing and then remained in the traffic pattern. The air traffic controller instructed the pilot to widen his downwind leg, due to traffic, and changed the landing runway to the parallel runway. The pilot performed a right turn to the base leg, and after the airplane was established on final, it abruptly turned to the north and descended rapidly. The airplane impacted an intersection about ½ nautical mile (nm) northwest of the approach end of the runway. The airplane impacted the ground and a traffic light pole and came to rest on a sidewalk. A postimpact fire ensued and the airplane was destroyed. Two witnesses reported that the airplane was not in an aerodynamic stall or spin. One witness reported that the airplane appeared to be in a “gentle” left-hand turn and descent, with about 15-20° of bank. They did not observe any flight control movements, nor was there any smoke or fire from the airplane. There were no abnormal engine noises, and the airplane was structurally intact while in flight. A review of local area security camera footage showed the airplane established on final approach. The airplane then turned abruptly to the north and descended rapidly before it impacted the ground. Postaccident examination revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. A review of meteorological data showed that low-level windshear was possible. Additionally, the estimated density altitude at the airport was 8,578 ft above msl at the time of the accident. However, based on the witness statements and the security camera footage, neither windshear nor the high density altitude appeared to play a role in the airplane’s sudden departure from the approach path. The reasons for the loss of control in flight could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the approach when instructed to widen the downwind leg.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 21 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents21

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