Pilot Debrief

Cessna 175 near Elk, CA — 2019-12-31

Final reportWPR20CA055
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Date
2019-12-31
Location
Elk, CA, USA
Airport
LLR
Aircraft
Cessna 175
Registration
N7095M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to arrest the descent rate during an aborted simulated engine-out approach, which resulted in impact with vegetation and a subsequent cartwheel.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after he completed an aerial observation flight, he decided to conduct a simulated engine-out approach to an open field. When the airplane was about 40 ft above ground level, the pilot aborted the approach by applying full engine power and elevator backpressure. The descent was not immediately arrested, but the airplane seemed to be accelerating. As the airplane continued to descend, it slipped left, and the left main landing gear struck a bush, which induced more left yaw and loss of lift. Subsequently, the wing struck vegetation and terrain, and the airplane then cartwheeled and came to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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