Casualties unknown

1989-02-26: Cessna 177 (N2377Y) — Fuller, Lester — Yuba City, CA

Yuba City, CA, US

On February 26, 1989, a Cessna 177 (registration N2377Y) operated by Fuller, Lester was involved in an aviation accident near Yuba City, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR (CFI) WHICH RESULTED IN A DELAYED GO-AROUND, INADEQUATE AIRSPEED, AND A STALL/MUSH INTO THE GROUND. A POOR APPROACH BY THE STUDENT PILOT WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a simulated forced landing in a dual instructional flight, the aircraft contacted the ground after a go-around was initiated, resulting in damage to the horizontal stabilizers, nose gear, propeller, and wing tips.

Event Summary

A dual instructional flight was in progress with a certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student. The CFI simulated a forced landing by reducing engine power. The student maneuvered the aircraft to make an approach to a nearby airstrip.

Instructor's Account

In a statement provided after the accident, the CFI reported that as the turn to base leg was started, the student asked if he was going to 'make' it. The CFI responded in the affirmative. At that point, the student added a small amount of power. The CFI told the student he did not have power and retarded the throttle again while looking over his shoulder to view the runway. Within seconds, the CFI felt an accelerated sink rate and observed the runway disappearing at the top of the side window.

Subsequent Events

The CFI initiated a go-around. However, before the descent was arrested, the aircraft contacted the ground. Subsequently, the horizontal stabilizers, nose gear, propeller, and wing tips were damaged. There were no reported mechanical malfunctions or failures with the aircraft before the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27753. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.