On March 27, 1995, a Cessna R172E (registration N1438Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Gladewater, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN AIRSPEED ABOVE STALL SPEED, RESULTING IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S PERFORMANCE OF AN ABRUPT MANEUVER IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft experienced a 90-degree left bank and near-vertical nose-down attitude at 500 feet during initial climb. Pilot attempted to recover but aircraft descended out of view. No mechanical anomalies found; pilot had history of abrupt low-altitude maneuvers.
Incident Description
During the initial climb following takeoff, witnesses observed the airplane at approximately 500 feet above ground level in a 90-degree left bank, with the nose pitched over to almost vertical. Prior to the airplane descending out of view, it appeared to witnesses that the pilot was attempting to raise the nose and level the wings.
Background
According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, multiple sources reported that the pilot had a past history of performing abrupt maneuvers at low altitude.
Examination Results
A post-incident examination of the airplane and its engine revealed no structural or mechanical anomalies that could have contributed to the event.
What happened in the 27 Mar 1995 Cessna R172E accident near Gladewater, TX?
Aircraft experienced a 90-degree left bank and near-vertical nose-down attitude at 500 feet during initial climb. Pilot attempted to recover but aircraft descended out of view. No mechanical anomalies found; pilot had history of abrupt low-altitude maneuvers.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Mar 1995 involved a Cessna R172E, registration N1438Z, at Gladewater, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN AIRSPEED ABOVE STALL SPEED, RESULTING IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S PERFORMANCE OF AN ABRUPT MANEUVER IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF.
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