On February 12, 1989, a Cessna 172N (registration N3388E) operated by Arndt, Carl was involved in an aviation accident near Deer Valley, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO RAISE THE WING FLAPS DURING THE ABORTED LANDING, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED DURING THE CLIMBING RIGHT TURN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A witness observed an airplane approach unusually high, bounce, attempt a go-around, and subsequently crash after a climbing right turn. The pilot had limited recent flight experience.
Witness Account
A witness stated that the airplane was "unusually high over the threshold" when it settled to the runway from approximately 30 feet. The airplane then bounced and became airborne. Prior to the second landing, the witness heard the application of full power. The airplane bounced again and subsequently flew the length of the runway at a low altitude and airspeed.
Go-Around and Maneuver
During the approach and go-around, the witness noted that the wing flaps were in the down position. The airplane began a climbing right turn and then "went nose down into the ground" from an estimated altitude of 50 to 100 feet.
Pilot Information
The pilot and passenger could not recall the events of the flight. The pilot had a total flight time of 121 hours, with 6 hours in the last 90 days. He had 27 hours of pilot-in-command flight time.
What happened in the 12 Feb 1989 Cessna 172N accident near Deer Valley, AZ?
A witness observed an airplane approach unusually high, bounce, attempt a go-around, and subsequently crash after a climbing right turn. The pilot had limited recent flight experience.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Feb 1989 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N3388E, operated by Arndt, Carl, at Deer Valley, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO RAISE THE WING FLAPS DURING THE ABORTED LANDING, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED DURING THE CLIMBING RIGHT TURN.
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