On March 6, 1993, a Cessna 172N (registration N222UF) operated by United Flight Services Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Katy, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during upper aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in a nose dive and impact with the terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot practicing upper aerobatics entered a nose dive from 3,000 feet and crashed. No mechanical anomalies were found during the post-accident examination of the airframe.
What happened
A student pilot was cleared to proceed to the local practice area for the purpose of practicing upper aerobatic maneuvers. While conducting these exercises, the aircraft was observed by other pilots who were flying in the vicinity. These witnesses reported seeing the airplane enter a nose dive attitude starting from an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet. The descent continued without recovery until the aircraft impacted the ground.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators conducted a thorough examination of the airframe at the site of the crash. The goal was to determine if any mechanical issues contributed to the loss of control. The inspection failed to disclose any mechanical anomaly that would have prevented normal flight operations or allowed for recovery from the dive.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during upper aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in a nose dive and impact with the terrain.
What happened in the 6 Mar 1993 Cessna 172N accident near Katy, TX?
A student pilot practicing upper aerobatics entered a nose dive from 3,000 feet and crashed. No mechanical anomalies were found during the post-accident examination of the airframe.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Mar 1993 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N222UF, operated by United Flight Services Inc., at Katy, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control during upper aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in a nose dive and impact with the terrain.
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