On September 20, 1991, a Cessna C-172G (registration N1359F) operated by Ray H. Judd was involved in an aviation accident near Red Lodge, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE LOSS OF CONTROL BY THE INSTRUCTOR DUE TO THE IMPROPER RECOVERY ALTITUDE SELECTED TO TERMINATE A SIMULATED FORCED LANDING, THE EXCESSIVE PULL-UP BY THE STUDENT DUE TO HIS LACK OF EXPERIENCE, AND THE DELAYED REMEDIAL ACTION OF THE INSTRUCTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a simulated forced landing recovery from 150-200 ft, a student pilot stalled the aircraft. The 74-year-old instructor could not recover before impact. Wreckage showed nose-up trim and 10-degree flaps. The student had 2 hours of flight time.
Accident Narrative
The accident occurred during a training flight where a 74-year-old instructor pilot supervised a student pilot performing his first recovery from a simulated forced landing. The maneuver was initiated at an altitude between 150 and 200 feet above the ground. During the attempt to recover from the simulated forced landing, the student pilot stalled the aircraft. The instructor pilot was unable to effect a recovery from the stall before the aircraft struck the ground.
Wreckage Findings
An examination of the wreckage indicated that the aircraft's elevator trim was set to a nose-up position. Additionally, the flaps were found to be extended 10 degrees from the retracted position.
Pilot Background
The student pilot had a total flight time of two hours at the time of the accident. This training exercise represented his first attempt at recovering from a simulated forced landing. The instructor pilot was 74 years old.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 20 Sept 1991 Cessna C-172G accident near Red Lodge, MT?
During a simulated forced landing recovery from 150-200 ft, a student pilot stalled the aircraft. The 74-year-old instructor could not recover before impact. Wreckage showed nose-up trim and 10-degree flaps. The student had 2 hours of flight time.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Sept 1991 involved a Cessna C-172G, registration N1359F, operated by Ray H. Judd, at Red Lodge, MT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE LOSS OF CONTROL BY THE INSTRUCTOR DUE TO THE IMPROPER RECOVERY ALTITUDE SELECTED TO TERMINATE A SIMULATED FORCED LANDING, THE EXCESSIVE PULL-UP BY THE STUDENT DUE TO HIS LACK OF EXPERIENCE, AND THE DELAYED REMEDIAL ACTION OF THE INSTRUCTOR. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE FLAP AND ELEVATOR TRIM SETTINGS.
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