On October 11, 1992, a Cessna 172M (registration N80780) operated by Travis A.f.b. Aero Club was involved in an aviation accident near Fairfield, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DELAY IN INITIATING A GO-AROUND DURING A NIGHT LANDING. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT MISJUDGING DISTANCE AND SPEED RESULTING A OVERSHOOTING THE TOUCHDOWN, THE NIGHT LIGHT CONDITION, HIS LACK OF NIGHT FLYING EXPERIENCE IN A… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After touching down halfway on a 2,000 ft runway, a pilot initiated a go-around. The airplane struck a power pole 38 ft above runway elevation, 958 ft from the departure end, and came to rest inverted. Flaps were at 10°, carburetor heat on; pilot had no recorded night experience in that airplane.
Incident Details
Witnesses reported that the airplane touched down approximately halfway along the 2,000-foot runway. The pilot subsequently added power and executed a go-around. During the go-around, the airplane struck a power pole located 38 feet above the runway elevation and 958 feet from the departure end of the runway. After the impact, the airplane came to rest inverted in an adjacent field.
Findings
Examination of the accident airplane revealed that the flaps were found set to 10 degrees down, and the carburetor heat was in the on position. The pilot had not recorded any night flying experience in the accident airplane.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 11 Oct 1992 Cessna 172M accident near Fairfield, CA?
After touching down halfway on a 2,000 ft runway, a pilot initiated a go-around. The airplane struck a power pole 38 ft above runway elevation, 958 ft from the departure end, and came to rest inverted. Flaps were at 10°, carburetor heat on; pilot had no recorded night experience in that airplane.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Oct 1992 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N80780, operated by Travis A.f.b. Aero Club, at Fairfield, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S DELAY IN INITIATING A GO-AROUND DURING A NIGHT LANDING. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT MISJUDGING DISTANCE AND SPEED RESULTING A OVERSHOOTING THE TOUCHDOWN, THE NIGHT LIGHT CONDITION, HIS LACK OF NIGHT FLYING EXPERIENCE IN A CESSNA 172, AND HIS FAILURE TO TURN OFF THE CARBURETOR HEAT…
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