Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 152 near Americus, GA — 2013-04-23

Final reportERA13CA230
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Date
2013-04-23
Location
Americus, GA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 152
Registration
N757GX
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s delayed decision to terminate the practice approach during a simulated loss of engine power maneuver, which resulted in an inadvertent collision with utility wires.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and passenger were returning to the airplane’s home airport near the conclusion of a cross-country flight, when the pilot elected to perform a simulated loss of engine power and subsequent practice approach to a farm field. During the approach, the pilot descended the airplane to about the height of the irrigation system installed in the field, when he noticed a “glint of light” and instinctually applied full power, increased pitch, and rolled the airplane right. The airplane then contacted a utility wire, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot subsequently returned to the destination airport and landed uneventfully. When enumerating the factors that contributed to the accident, the pilot noted that his “…decision to continue the approach as long as I did also played a role.” The pilot also reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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