Casualties unknown

1991-09-26: Cessna 152 (N4740H) — Executive Flight, Inc. — Malaga, WA

Malaga, WA, US

On September 26, 1991, a Cessna 152 (registration N4740H) operated by Executive Flight, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Malaga, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT'S FAILURE TO INSURE ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE DURING THE GO-AROUND MANEUVER. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE 1) RISING TERRAIN, 2) HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE CONDITION, AND 3) THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT'S DELAY OF THE GO-AROUND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

After a simulated emergency landing practice, a student pilot initiated a go-around toward rising terrain. The instructor took control and maneuvered away, but recognizing the go-around would fail, executed a controlled collision with terrain.

Incident Sequence

After completing a simulated emergency landing practice, the student pilot executed a go-around maneuver. The instructor pilot had allowed the student to perform the go-around in a direction that led toward rising terrain. Recognizing the developing situation, the instructor took control of the aircraft and initiated a turn away from the terrain. However, the instructor determined that a successful go-around was not forthcoming and subsequently executed a controlled collision with terrain.

Environmental Conditions

The temperature at the time was reported as 81 degrees Fahrenheit within 5 miles of the accident site, which was at an elevation of 1200 feet mean sea level (MSL). The density altitude at the site was estimated at 3000 feet. These conditions may have affected aircraft performance during the go-around maneuver.

Pilot Actions

The instructor pilot, who was supervising the student, took over control of the aircraft after the student began the go-around. The instructor initiated a turn away from the rising terrain but recognized that the aircraft would not be able to climb out successfully. The decision was then made to execute a controlled collision with terrain, bringing the flight to an end.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18212. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.