On May 30, 1992, a Cessna 172L (registration N7583G) operated by Russ Nally was involved in an aviation accident near Yakima, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to extend additional flaps at an excessive airspeed, which resulted in a loss of lift and an inability to arrest the descent before ground impact. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported being high and fast on final approach, adding flaps which caused a sudden loss of lift. Despite applying full power, the aircraft impacted a runway light and the ground short of the threshold.
What happened
The pilot reported that during the approach phase, the aircraft was positioned slightly above the desired glidepath and traveling at an excessive airspeed. In an effort to correct the descent rate and reduce speed, the pilot elected to extend additional flaps. Immediately following this configuration change, the aircraft experienced a significant and rapid loss of lift, resulting in a steep sink rate while the aircraft remained short of the runway threshold.
The pilot attempted to recover by applying full power; however, the altitude was insufficient to arrest the descent. The left horizontal stabilizer struck a runway light fixture, and both wingtips subsequently impacted the ground.
Findings
Loss of lift following flap extension during a high-speed approach
High sink rate while short of the runway
Insufficient altitude to recover despite full power application
Impact with a runway light and ground contact by wingtips
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to extend additional flaps at an excessive airspeed, which resulted in a loss of lift and an inability to arrest the descent before ground impact.
What happened in the 30 May 1992 Cessna 172L accident near Yakima, WA?
The pilot reported being high and fast on final approach, adding flaps which caused a sudden loss of lift. Despite applying full power, the aircraft impacted a runway light and the ground short of the threshold.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 May 1992 involved a Cessna 172L, registration N7583G, operated by Russ Nally, at Yakima, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to extend additional flaps at an excessive airspeed, which resulted in a loss of lift and an inability to arrest the descent before ground impact.
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