Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172M near Toms River, NJ — 2008-06-25

Final reportNYC08LA228
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Date
2008-06-25
Location
Toms River, NJ, USA
Airport
MJX
Aircraft
CESSNA 172M
Registration
N13105
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The failure of the pilot's seat to engage or remain engaged due to the improper inspection of the worn seat tracks.

NTSB narrative

During a soft-field takeoff demonstrated by the student pilot, the certificated flight instructor's(CFI's) seat rolled backward, and he instinctively reached for the control yoke. The airplane yawed to the left, the left wing struck the ground, and the airplane flipped over. The CFI stated that he adjusted the seat forward prior to taxiing the airplane to the runway and recalled "shaking the seat" to assure it was in the locked position. Examination of the seat tracks for the CFI's seat revealed that all four roller housing tangs (feet) were spread and bent, and the corresponding locations on the seat tracks were gouged. Examination of the seat tracks for both seats revealed several seat pin adjustment holes exceeded the dimensions for acceptable wear as described in the Cessna Service Manual, and "excessive wear" was noted to the seat track cap widths and the roller housing tangs. An Airworthiness Directive (AD) which required inspection of the seat tracks was completed 90 hours prior to the accident. The AD did not require inspection for excessive wear to the seat track cap widths and the tangs of the seat housings.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Inspection of seat tracks for excessive wear not fully compliant with AD requirements.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents15

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