On April 12, 1993, a Cessna 172N (registration N6542J) operated by American Flyers, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Immokalee, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to descend to an unsafe altitude for low-level flying, which resulted in structural failure of the vertical stabilizer. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot descending to approximately 100 feet due to boredom experienced an impact that detached the top portion of the vertical stabilizer. The aircraft diverted safely.
What happened
The pilot reported becoming bored during flight operations and decided to descend for low-level flying. He lowered the aircraft to approximately 100 feet above the ground. After maintaining this altitude for roughly 30 seconds, he felt an impact. He then diverted to a nearby airport and landed without further incident. Upon inspection after landing, he discovered that the top portion of the vertical stabilizer was missing.
The investigation
Post-flight examination revealed significant damage to the empennage. Specifically, the upper section of the vertical stabilizer had been detached from the aircraft structure during the low-altitude maneuver.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to descend to an unsafe altitude for low-level flying, which resulted in structural failure of the vertical stabilizer.
What happened in the 12 Apr 1993 Cessna 172N accident near Immokalee, FL?
A pilot descending to approximately 100 feet due to boredom experienced an impact that detached the top portion of the vertical stabilizer. The aircraft diverted safely.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Apr 1993 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N6542J, operated by American Flyers, Inc., at Immokalee, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to descend to an unsafe altitude for low-level flying, which resulted in structural failure of the vertical stabilizer.
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