On October 9, 1982, a Cessna 172P (registration N63715) operated by International Titanium Corp. was involved in an aviation accident near Mt. Pleasant, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper execution of a go-around, which involved banking and retracting flaps while at low altitude, leading to loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempting a go-around after a high approach banked the aircraft and retracted flaps, causing the plane to settle, strike its wingtip, and nosed over.
What happened
The pilot initiated a landing approach that was reportedly higher and faster than normal. After rolling for an undetermined distance on the runway, he decided to execute a go-around. According to a passenger, the pilot began climbing but simultaneously banked the aircraft and retracted the flaps. The airplane then settled back toward the ground, making contact with its wingtip before nosing over.
The investigation
Details regarding mechanical examination were not provided in the source material.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates a loss of control during the initial climb phase of a go-around. The combination of banking, flap retraction, and insufficient altitude resulted in the aircraft settling and striking the ground with its wingtip.
Probable cause
The pilot's improper execution of a go-around, which involved banking and retracting flaps while at low altitude, leading to loss of control.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 9 Oct 1982 Cessna 172P accident near Mt. Pleasant, PA?
A pilot attempting a go-around after a high approach banked the aircraft and retracted flaps, causing the plane to settle, strike its wingtip, and nosed over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Oct 1982 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N63715, operated by International Titanium Corp., at Mt. Pleasant, PA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's improper execution of a go-around, which involved banking and retracting flaps while at low altitude, leading to loss of control.
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