Casualties unknown

1992-03-22: Cessna 150M (N2869V) — Buchanan Flying Club — San Andreas, CA

San Andreas, CA, US

On March 22, 1992, a Cessna 150M (registration N2869V) operated by Buchanan Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near San Andreas, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR'S POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY PERFORMING A 360 DEGREE TURN MANEUVER AT A LOW ALTITUDE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 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

During a dual cross-country flight, a CFI simulated an engine failure. The student pilot selected a dirt airstrip but was too high. The CFI assumed controls, executed a sharp left 360-degree overhead banking maneuver, then retracted full flaps shortly before the airplane crashed beyond the runway.

Accident Sequence

A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were on a dual cross-country flight. The CFI retarded the throttle to simulate an engine failure. Following the emergency checklist, the student pilot selected a privately owned dirt airstrip, measuring 1,500 feet by 50 feet, for a forced landing.

As the airplane approached the airstrip, it was too high. The student applied full flaps, but the airplane remained too high when it arrived over the approach end of the runway. At that point, the CFI assumed control of the airplane and immediately executed a sharp left 360-degree overhead banking maneuver to demonstrate that the landing could still be made.

When the airplane rolled out of the maneuver, it was near the departure end of the runway. The CFI applied full power. The student reminded the CFI that the flaps were fully extended. The CFI then raised the flaps, but within seconds, the airplane crashed beyond the departure end of the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14323. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.