Sunday, February 23, 2020

Loss of Control in Flight: Cessna 172M Skyhawk, N5185R; accident occurred February 17, 2020 at Grays Creek Airport (2GC), Fayetteville, North Carolina


















Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Investigator In Charge (IIC): Hicks, Ralph

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity
Corey Paczkowski; Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Greensboro, North Carolina

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:

Location: Fayetteville, North Carolina 
Accident Number: ERA20LA105
Date and Time: February 17, 2020, 13:35 Local
Registration: N5185R
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 4 Serious 
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis

The flight instructor was taking three local community college students on an orientation flight. The passenger in the front left seat was on the controls with the instructor during the takeoff. Witnesses observed the airplane pitch up aggressively during the takeoff, approaching a near vertical attitude before stalling and impacting the ground adjacent to the runway. The engine continued to run normally during the event. A rear seat passenger reported that the flight instructor told the passenger to let go of the controls, but that the passenger continued pulling back. The front seat passenger stated that after the airplane “tilted too far back” during the takeoff, he kept his hands on the yoke for several seconds before he eventually let go. Due to the extent of his injuries, the flight instructor did not recall the event. All four occupants sustained serious injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. An examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of a mechanical malfunction or anomaly.

Given this information, it is likely that the front seat passenger who was manipulating the controls with the pilot applied excessive back pressure on the yoke, resulting in an over rotation, aggressive initial climb, and subsequent aerodynamic stall. The flight instructor’s remedial actions were not sufficient to prevent the stall, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The passenger’s excessive control application during the takeoff and the flight instructor’s inadequate remedial action, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

Findings

Aircraft Pitch control - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Passenger
Personnel issues Delayed action - Instructor/check pilot

Factual Information

On February 17, 2020, about 1535 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172M, N5185R, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fayetteville, North Carolina. The flight instructor and three passengers were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

According to information provided by the operator and witness statements, the purpose of the flight was to orient local community college students with general aviation. The pilot, who was also a flight instructor, was seated in the right cockpit seat. The passengers occupied the other three seats. During the takeoff, the passenger in the left seat was on the flight controls with the instructor. Witnesses watching the takeoff (some of whom were flight instructors), described that as soon as the main wheels left the runway, the airplane pitched up aggressively. The airplane pitched up to a higher-than-normal pitch attitude, stalled, then collided with terrain adjacent to the runway. They also reported that the engine continued to run normally during the accident sequence.

The evening of the accident, one of the flight instructors employed by the operator visited the hospital and spoke to the passengers. She reported that one of the rear seat passengers described to her that during the takeoff the flight instructor called out for the passenger to let go; however, the passenger did not relinquish the controls. She further described that she started screaming as the airplane descended toward the ground.

In a deposition taken after the accident, the front seat passenger stated that before the takeoff, the flight instructor provided him with instructions on when to initiate the takeoff. He recalled that between a speed of 70 to 80 mph, the flight instructor would tell him to either “push in or pull out” the airplane’s control yoke. The passenger could not recall which direction he moved the yoke during the takeoff but stated that when the airplane reached about 75 mph the instructor told him to rotate the airplane slowly. After lifting off, the airplane “tilted too far back” and the passenger was only able to see the sky out of the airplane’s windscreen. He stated that the airplane, “started going straight up” and “…I was kind of, you know, freaking out…” As the airplane lifted off, his hands were still on the yoke. As the airplane pitched up, he took his hands off the yoke. He estimated that he kept his hands on the yoke after liftoff for a “couple of seconds.” He also stated that no one told him to take his hands off the yoke before he took his hands off the yoke. The flight instructor called out that he was trying to regain control and not to touch anything. The airplane began descending as “alerts” were going off in the cockpit, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground.

Inspectors with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The fuselage and both wings were structurally damaged. The propeller separated from the engine. They reported that their examination of the airplane did not reveal any evidence of a mechanical malfunction or anomaly. They also calculated the airplane’s estimated weight and balance at the time of the accident, finding that the airplane was below its maximum gross weight and within center of gravity limits. The operator also reported that there were no mechanical issues with the airplane prior to the accident.

The flight instructor, due to the severity of his injuries, did not recall the event.

History of Flight

Initial climb Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Uncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor
Age: 19, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land 
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None 
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane 
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: March 3, 2016
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: August 7, 2019
Flight Time: 533 hours (Total, all aircraft), 187 hours (Total, this make and model), 393 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 46 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 43 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 
Registration: N5185R
Model/Series: 172 M
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1974
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility 
Serial Number: 17263402
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle 
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: January 6, 2020 100 hour 
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 98 Hrs 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 6863 Hrs at time of accident 
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-320-E2D
Registered Owner: 
Rated Power: 150 Horsepower
Operator: 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC) 
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFAY, 186 ft msl 
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 14:21 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 343°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 6 knots / 
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 90° 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.15 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 7°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Fayetteville, NC (2GC) 
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Fayetteville, NC (2GC)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 13:35 Local 
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Grays Creek 2GC
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 160 ft msl 
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 35 
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3500 ft / 30 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 Serious 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 Serious 
Latitude, Longitude: 34.893611,-78.843612(est)



Location: Hope Mills, NC
Accident Number: ERA20LA105
Date & Time: 02/17/2020, 1350 EST
Registration: N5185R
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Injuries: 4 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On February 17, 2020, about 1350 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172M, N5185R, was substantially damaged during takeoff in Hope Mills, North Carolina. The commercial pilot and three passengers sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to information provided by the operator, the purpose of the flight was to orient local youth with general aviation. The commercial pilot, who was also a flight instructor, was seated in the right cockpit seat. The passengers occupied the other three seats. During the takeoff, the passenger in the left seat reached for the control yoke and pulled back on the controls. The flight instructor called out for him to let go; however, the passenger did not relinquish the controls. The airplane pitched up to a near vertical position, stalled, then collided with terrain adjacent to the runway. Witnesses watching the takeoff reported that the engine continued to run normally during the accident sequence.

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The fuselage and both wings were structurally damaged. The propeller separated from the engine. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N5185R
Model/Series: 172 M
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:No 
Operator: Cape Fear Aviation Maintenance Llc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFAY, 186 ft msl
Observation Time: 1421 EST
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 16°C / 7°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots / , 90°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.16 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Hope Mills, NC (2GC)
Destination: Hope Mills, NC (2GC)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 Serious
Aircraft Fire:None 
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 34.893611, -78.843611 (est)


FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina — An unlicensed pilot might have been at the controls before a plane crashed off the end of a runway at a Cumberland County airport on February 17th.

Three students participating in an event showcasing careers in aviation and a Cape Fear Aviation flight instructor were injured when the Cessna 172M Skyhawk went down at Gray's Creek Airport, off Butler Nursery Road.

Vanessa Leal, 18, of Falcon, said Thursday that she was sitting in the back seat of the plane with Dominique Northcutt, 23, of Fayetteville. The instructor, Jake Parsons, 19, was in front with Justin Elliott, 24, of Linden, Leal said.

"I think it was whenever we started taking off that stuff went wrong," Leal said in an exclusive interview with WRAL News.

"I just remember screaming because I knew something was wrong because we weren't supposed to be that way in the air ... like tilted," she said.

Leal indicated that the nose of the plane suddenly shot up during takeoff.

"I just know that the pilot that has his license said to the other one to let him take over, and I knew it was too late by then," she said.

She said she passed out during the incident and doesn't remember the crash itself, only waking up as she was being put into an ambulance.

Cape Fear Aviation declined to comment Thursday when asked if students were allowed to fly the planes during Monday's event.

The event, sponsored by Cumberland County Workforce Development, allowed registered attendees to learn about careers as airplane mechanics or pilots, jobs expected to be in high demand in coming years.

Parsons' grandfather, Joe Marsh, chief of the Gray's Creek Fire Department, responded to the crash. Marsh is a pilot himself, and he said it appeared the plane stalled during takeoff.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.

Leal remains at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, recovering from abdominal surgery, broken bones in her feet and injuries to her face and left hand. She said she forgives both Parsons and Elliott for the crash.

"I wasn't upset with either of them for the accident," she said, noting that she texted Parsons.

Leal said she had never flown before Monday. She was enthralled with an earlier flight and decided to go up a second time, but she said she now isn't sure if she will ever get on another plane.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.wral.com





FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina (WTVD) -- A small plane crashed at an airport in Fayetteville on February 174th, injuring a total of four people.

It happened at Gray's Creek Airport on Butler Nursery Road at 1:50 p.m. According to a news release from the State Highway Patrol, the plane crashed into a field next to the runway shortly after take-off.

Gray's Creek Fire Chief Joe Marsh said his grandson was on the  Cessna 172M Skyhawk aircraft when it crashed. He was taken to the hospital with a broken ankle and facial injuries.

In total, a pilot and three other young adults were injured, according to a Cumberland County spokesperson. The state highway patrol said all four had serious injuries.

Tuesday, the State Highway Patrol identified those involved in the crash as 19-year-old Jacob Parsons, 23-year-old Dominique Northcutt, 24-year-old Justin Elliot and 18-year-old Vanessa Leal. Parsons, Marsh's grandson, was the pilot of the plane.

"I ran to him first and the other guys started going to the other patients," Marsh said in a phone interview. "I stayed with him and one of my other guys came up and helped with him, which you just try to focus on your job."

Family members of Dominique Northcutt said she is in critical condition as neurosurgeons perform life-saving surgery to stop bleeding in her brain.

Northcutt's aunt, Nell Rhodes, said her niece has extensive injuries including broken bones, cuts on her legs and injuries to her neck, spine and face.

When Deirdre Diamond-Martinez received a phone call about the crash, she was in disbelief.

"I didn't think it was real because I just initially thought my son was flying paper airplanes."

According to a county press release, several young adults were spending the day at the Grays Creek Airport for an Aviation Career day, hosted by the Cumberland County Workforce Development. Several people, including 14-year-old Patrick Martinez, were going to learn about airplane mechanics and pilot careers.

Martinez, one of the teenagers in the program, said he had flown earlier in the day. He said his instructor was on the plane when it crashed.

"I'm just still shocked," he said.

"It's hard because my son, you know, he's not really feeling this flying thing, but he'll still work with the program," Martinez's mother said.

Martinez says her son has been a part of the N.C. Works program for nearly two years now.

"I kept calling him over and over again, sometimes the calls didn't go through," his mom Deirdre Diamond-Martinez said. "Eventually he called me and said he was okay."

Original article can be found here ➤ https://abc11.com





The North Carolina Highway Patrol has identified the four people who were injured in a plane crash on February 17th at Gray’s Creek Airport south of Fayetteville during an aviation career day for students.

They are Jake Parson, 19, of the 5300 block of Butler Nursery Road; Dominique Northcutt, 23, of the 9400 block of Gooden Drive; Justin Elliott, 24, of the 9100 block of Colliers Chapel Church Road; and Vanessa Leal, 18, of the 6500 block of Northwest Drive.

Leal is listed in good condition at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Information on the condition of the other passengers was not released.

A  Cessna 172M Skyhawk crashed just before 2 p.m. Monday with three students and the pilot on board.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause.

The students on the plane were taking part in the aviation career day as part of the Cumberland County Workforce Development program.

The program was held at Cape Fear Aviation, 7154 Butler Nursery Road. An announcement of the program by Cumberland County said it was designed for students to learn about airplane mechanic and pilot careers.

The NC Works Career Center sponsored the program, according to the county. Airline pilots and airplane mechanic jobs are expected to be in high demand in coming years, according to the county news release.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.fayobserver.com