On July 24, 1991, a Cessna 172N (registration N5352D) operated by Bridgeford Flying Svc. was involved in an aviation accident near Napa, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The CFI reported that he did not maintain a sufficient buffer zone of safety during the demonstration. 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.
During an emergency landing demonstration, a CFI descended below 50 feet AGL before restoring power. The aircraft contacted the ground and nosed over in gusty winds. The CFI noted insufficient safety buffer.
Incident Overview
A certified flight instructor (CFI) was conducting an emergency landing demonstration for a student pilot. The CFI closed the throttle and descended the airplane to less than 50 feet above ground level (AGL) before attempting to restore engine power to terminate the maneuver.
Sequence of Events
As engine power was being restored, the airplane descended a few feet, contacted the ground, and nosed over. The weather at the time included gusty surface winds.
Post-Incident Report
The CFI reported that he had not maintained a "sufficient buffer zone of safety" during the demonstration. No further details regarding injuries, aircraft damage, or other factors were provided.
Probable cause
The CFI reported that he did not maintain a sufficient buffer zone of safety during the demonstration.
What happened in the 24 Jul 1991 Cessna 172N accident near Napa, CA?
During an emergency landing demonstration, a CFI descended below 50 feet AGL before restoring power. The aircraft contacted the ground and nosed over in gusty winds. The CFI noted insufficient safety buffer.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Jul 1991 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N5352D, operated by Bridgeford Flying Svc., at Napa, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The CFI reported that he did not maintain a sufficient buffer zone of safety during the demonstration.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…