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Accident During Approach: CFI Involved in Gliding Spiral and Short Landing (N5718R)

Lubbock, TX, US

On July 29, 1992, a Cessna 172F (registration N5718R) operated by Rhiley, King R. Iii was involved in an aviation accident near Lubbock, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT UNDER INSTRUCTION MISJUDGED HIS DISTANCE AND ALTITUDE DURING A SIMULATED FORCED LANDING, AND THE CFI FAILED TO TAKE TIMELY ACTION TO PREVENT THE ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF HIS ALCOHOLIC IMPAIRMENT OF EFFICIENCY AND JUDGEMENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane conducting a gliding spiral approach hit a dirt mound 75 ft short of the runway. The CFI had a denied medical certificate and was observed with alcohol odor and failed sobriety tests.

Accident Sequence

At an altitude of 6,700 feet above mean sea level and over the airport, the pilot pulled back the power to initiate a gliding spiral toward the airport. On short final approach, the airplane was high and not aligned with the runway. During a slip maneuver, the airplane struck a mound of dirt approximately 75 feet short of the runway.

Background

The flight instructor (CFI) involved in the accident had applied for a new medical certificate, but the application was denied. The denial was related to the CFI's failure to report a conviction for driving while intoxicated on the application.

Post-Accident Observations

A state trooper summoned to the accident site reported speaking with the CFI and noted "...a strong odor of some type of alcohol coming from his breath and his person." Additionally, the results of field sobriety tests administered to the CFI indicated intoxication.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Jul 1992 Cessna 172F accident near Lubbock, TX?

An airplane conducting a gliding spiral approach hit a dirt mound 75 ft short of the runway. The CFI had a denied medical certificate and was observed with alcohol odor and failed sobriety tests.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Jul 1992 involved a Cessna 172F, registration N5718R, operated by Rhiley, King R. Iii, at Lubbock, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT UNDER INSTRUCTION MISJUDGED HIS DISTANCE AND ALTITUDE DURING A SIMULATED FORCED LANDING, AND THE CFI FAILED TO TAKE TIMELY ACTION TO PREVENT THE ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF HIS ALCOHOLIC IMPAIRMENT OF EFFICIENCY AND JUDGEMENT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15166. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.