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Student Pilot Conducts Low-Altitude Deer Hunting Search; Airplane Strikes Trees (N9578H)

Picayune, MS, US

On September 19, 1992, a Cessna 172M (registration N9578H) operated by Phillips Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Picayune, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED (VSO) WHILE CONDUCTING SLOW FLIGHT AT A LOW ALTITUDE. THIS RESULTED IN AN IN FLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL (STALL) AND SUBSEQUENT IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TREES. 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

A student pilot maneuvering at low altitude with an unauthorized passenger while looking for deer hunting sites descended to 300 feet AGL in slow flight; the nose pitched down and the airplane collided with trees.

Flight Maneuvers

The student pilot was operating the airplane at a low altitude while searching for deer hunting locations. An unauthorized passenger was on board. The pilot reduced altitude to 500 feet above ground level (AGL) and extended the flaps to 20 degrees. Subsequently, the pilot initiated slow flight at an airspeed of approximately 45 knots. The aircraft was then descended further to 300 feet AGL while maintaining slow flight.

Collision with Trees

During the low-altitude slow flight, the nose of the airplane pitched downward. The airplane subsequently struck trees. The sequence of events involved intentional low-altitude maneuvering without any reported mechanical anomalies or air traffic control involvement.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Sept 1992 Cessna 172M accident near Picayune, MS?

A student pilot maneuvering at low altitude with an unauthorized passenger while looking for deer hunting sites descended to 300 feet AGL in slow flight; the nose pitched down and the airplane collided with trees.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Sept 1992 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N9578H, operated by Phillips Aviation, at Picayune, MS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED (VSO) WHILE CONDUCTING SLOW FLIGHT AT A LOW ALTITUDE. THIS RESULTED IN AN IN FLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL (STALL) AND SUBSEQUENT IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TREES.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15756. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.