On January 27, 1990, a Cessna 172N (registration N75946) operated by Montgomery Aviation Ltd. was involved in an aviation accident near Gaithersburg, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI), WHICH RESULTED IN FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED AND A SUBSEQUENT STALL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot attempted his first landing in a Cessna 172 after training in a Cessna 150. During the flare, the aircraft drifted left, the stall warning horn sounded, and the CFI took control but the aircraft rolled left and struck the ground.
Background
A dual student pilot was attempting his first landing in a Cessna 172, having completed all previous flights in a Cessna 150. The flight instructor (CFI) stated that he intended to evaluate the landing and determine whether the student would continue with additional landings.
Sequence of Events
According to the CFI and the student, wind gusts were occurring during the approach. The student reported that the flaps were set at 30 degrees and the airspeed was about 60 knots. He stated that he used a crab technique to compensate for the wind. As he began the landing flare, the aircraft drifted left of the runway and the stall warning horn sounded. The CFI then took control of the aircraft and attempted to correct the situation. However, the aircraft subsequently rolled abruptly to the left and struck the ground, first with the left wing and then with the nose.
Outcome
The aircraft came to rest after impacting the ground. No further details about injuries or damage were provided in the source.
What happened in the 27 Jan 1990 Cessna 172N accident near Gaithersburg, MD?
A student pilot attempted his first landing in a Cessna 172 after training in a Cessna 150. During the flare, the aircraft drifted left, the stall warning horn sounded, and the CFI took control but the aircraft rolled left and struck the ground.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Jan 1990 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N75946, operated by Montgomery Aviation Ltd., at Gaithersburg, MD.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI), WHICH RESULTED IN FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED AND A SUBSEQUENT STALL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: GUSTY/CROSSWIND CONDITIONS, THE STUDENT PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN RUNWAY ALIGNMENT, AND THE CFI'S LACK OF…
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