Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172S near Harrison, NY — 2026-05-18

Final reportERA26LA209
Sign in to save
Date
2026-05-18
Location
Harrison, NY, USA
Airport
HPN
Aircraft
CESSNA 172S
Registration
N5114Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot’s excessive pitch up attitude during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor and student pilot reported that they were conducting a soft field takeoff when the student pilot applied excessive aft control yoke input, and the stall warning horn sounded. The flight instructor directed the student pilot to release some back pressure and pushed forward on the control yoke, which lowered the pitch attitude of the airplane. Subsequently, the student pilot aggressively reapplied what he thought was the appropriate amount of aft control yoke input and the airplane pitched up. The flight instructor attempted to correct for the excessive pitch up; however, she was unable to overpower the student pilot. The airplane stalled, rolled to the left and impacted the ground sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage and vertical stabilizer.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps