On December 18, 1986, a Cessna 172M (registration N12841) was involved in an aviation accident near Middleton, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The dual student allowed the airspeed to decay during a slipping maneuver, resulting in an aerodynamic stall, and insufficient altitude remained for recovery. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a training flight, a student pilot stalled the aircraft while performing a slipping maneuver to lose altitude on final approach. The aircraft struck trees and a ditch before coming to rest short of the runway.
Incident Details
A flight instructor and a private-rated dual student were returning to the airport of origin after completing a period of instrument training. The certified flight instructor (CFI) asked the student to demonstrate a simulated forced landing to the runway.
Sequence of Events
On final approach, the student attempted to lose altitude by performing a slipping maneuver. During the slip, the student allowed the airspeed to decay, causing the aircraft to stall. Insufficient altitude remained for either the student or the CFI to recover before the aircraft struck small trees and slid through a ditch. The aircraft came to rest short of the runway.
Conclusion
The incident occurred as a result of the student's loss of airspeed during a slipping maneuver, leading to an aerodynamic stall. No contributing factors were identified in the source.
Probable cause
The dual student allowed the airspeed to decay during a slipping maneuver, resulting in an aerodynamic stall, and insufficient altitude remained for recovery.
What happened in the 18 Dec 1986 Cessna 172M accident near Middleton, WI?
During a training flight, a student pilot stalled the aircraft while performing a slipping maneuver to lose altitude on final approach. The aircraft struck trees and a ditch before coming to rest short of the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Dec 1986 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N12841, at Middleton, WI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The dual student allowed the airspeed to decay during a slipping maneuver, resulting in an aerodynamic stall, and insufficient altitude remained for recovery.
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