Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172M near Elkins, WV — 2011-08-13

Final reportERA11CA450
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Date
2011-08-13
Location
Elkins, WV, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172M
Registration
N5399Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The flight instructor's unfamiliarity with the geographic area, resulting in controlled flight into terrain.

NTSB narrative

The certified flight instructor (CFI) directed the student pilot to perform a touch-and-go landing. During climb out, the CFI informed the student they would be conducting some mountain flying and instructed him to climb straight ahead over a ridge line. Upon clearing the ridge line, the CFI directed the student to make a right turn into a canyon. After entering the canyon, the CFI realized he was in the wrong area and the airplane would be unable to clear the ridge line in front of them. He took control of the airplane and made a left turn towards the left side of the canyon. He then initiated a hard right turn and realized there was insufficient room to reverse course. He leveled the wings of the airplane and it collided with the trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage and came to rest on the side of the ridge. The CFI stated there were no mechanical problems with the airplane and he was unfamiliar with the geographic area.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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