On March 12, 1990, a Cessna 172P (registration N9899L) was involved in an aviation accident near Tampa, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOTS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED (VS), WHICH RESULTED IN AN INFLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL (STALL/SPIN), AND IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Civil Air Patrol Cessna 172P crashed while turning crosswind after a touch-and-go landing at Vandenberg Airport, Tampa, Florida. The airplane was destroyed; the pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries.
Accident Details
On a proficiency flight, a Civil Air Patrol Cessna 172P airplane departed Runway 36 after conducting a touch-and-go landing at Vandenberg Airport in Tampa, Florida. No flight plan was filed, and visual flight rules (VFR) conditions prevailed at the time.
Witness Observations
Witnesses observed the airplane between 200 to 500 feet above ground level on a left crosswind to downwind turn. The airplane displayed a nose-up attitude of 30 to 35 degrees and a bank angle of 45 to 90 degrees. Subsequently, the nose of the airplane pitched down 90 degrees, and the airplane performed a 3/4 left spin before colliding with terrain and a portable sign.
Injuries and Damage
The private pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was destroyed in the accident.
What happened in the 12 Mar 1990 Cessna 172P accident near Tampa, FL?
A Civil Air Patrol Cessna 172P crashed while turning crosswind after a touch-and-go landing at Vandenberg Airport, Tampa, Florida. The airplane was destroyed; the pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Mar 1990 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N9899L, at Tampa, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
PILOTS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED (VS), WHICH RESULTED IN AN INFLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL (STALL/SPIN), AND IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN.
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