Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172N near Lock Haven, PA — 2024-07-04

Final reportERA24FA292
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Date
2024-07-04
Location
Lock Haven, PA, USA
Airport
LHV
Aircraft
CESSNA 172N
Registration
N739GV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The student pilot’s premature turn to the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern at low airspeed and altitude, resulting in a collision with trees and terrain.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot initiated a solo flight to a nearby airport, likely to practice pattern work. Her flight instructor, who characterized her as an outstanding student, was not aware that she was flying that day, and he stated that this lack of coordination was contrary to what he had taught her. Flight track data showed that the pilot entered the traffic pattern on the downwind leg and proceeded to line up on final approach for the 3,799-ft-long runway. About halfway down the runway length, the airplane climbed and immediately turned left to enter the crosswind leg. A witness observed the airplane and reported that he thought that the airplane would not clear the trees in its direct flight path. He also stated that the airplane’s engine was running without hesitation; however, the airplane was “struggling.” The airplane collided with the top of a tree near stall speed (based on the groundspeeds reported in the flight track data), with flaps retracted, then collided with and came to rest against the base of another tree. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal evidence of any preexisting mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Although the student pilot had an instructor endorsement for solo flight, the accident flight was only her second solo flight. Based on the available evidence, had she established an appropriate climb airspeed and altitude on the upwind leg of the traffic pattern before turning crosswind, the accident likely would not have occurred.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Student pilot should have coordinated with instructor before flying solo.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents17