On September 19, 1993, a Cessna 172 (registration N9931Q) operated by John P. Bennett was involved in an aviation accident near North Kingstown, RI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY ALLOWED THE AIRPLANE TO STALL AS HE WAS MANEUVERING TO AVOID BIRDS ON FINAL APPROACH. 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.
During an approach to Runway 5 with a 15-knot wind from 340°, a pilot did not request an airport advisory. Crossing the threshold, seagulls appeared; the pilot banked right to avoid them, leading to a stall. The nose gear struck the ground, a go-around was attempted, but the right wing contacted the ground, causing substantial damage. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.
Circumstances
The pilot began an approach to Runway 5. The wind was from 340 degrees at 15 knots. The airport had another runway oriented along a magnetic bearing of 340 degrees. The pilot did not request an airport advisory before initiating the approach.
Sequence of Events
As the airplane crossed the runway threshold, numerous seagulls flew in front of it. The pilot stated that he banked the airplane to the right to avoid the seagulls, and the airplane subsequently stalled. The nose gear then struck the ground, and a go-around was attempted.
Aftermath
A ground witness, who is a certified flight instructor, reported that the airplane "hit hard" and drifted to the right. The right wing contacted the ground, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Sept 1993 Cessna 172 accident near North Kingstown, RI?
During an approach to Runway 5 with a 15-knot wind from 340°, a pilot did not request an airport advisory. Crossing the threshold, seagulls appeared; the pilot banked right to avoid them, leading to a stall. The nose gear struck the ground, a go-around was attempted, but the right wing contacted the ground, causing…
Were there any fatalities in the 19 Sept 1993 Cessna 172 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Sept 1993 involved a Cessna 172, registration N9931Q, operated by John P. Bennett, at North Kingstown, RI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY ALLOWED THE AIRPLANE TO STALL AS HE WAS MANEUVERING TO AVOID BIRDS ON FINAL APPROACH.