The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Antonio, Texas
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:
McCreery Aviation Co Inc
Location: McAllen, Texas
Accident Number: CEN21LA235
Date & Time: May 22, 2021, 13:40 Local
Registration: N999MA
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional
Analysis
The solo student pilot reported he was making his third landing when the airplane bounced, exited the runway, and collided with a runway sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left horizontal stabilizer. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a runway sign.
Findings
Aircraft Directional control - Not attained/maintained
Personnel issues Aircraft control - Student/instructed pilot
Factual Information
History of Flight
Landing Abnormal runway contact
Landing-landing roll Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Landing-landing roll Runway excursion
Landing-landing roll Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Student
Age: 40, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 1 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: January 5, 2021
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 38 hours (Total, all aircraft), 38 hours (Total, this make and model), 4 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N999MA
Model/Series: 172
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2004
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 172S9812
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2550 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO360
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 180
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KMFE,100 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time:
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 150°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C / 20°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: McAllen, TX
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: McAllen, TX
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace: Class D
Airport Information
Airport: MC ALLEN MILLER INTL MFE
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 107 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 14/32
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 7120 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Touch and go
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 26.175541,-98.237432 (est)
