Casualties unknown

1996-08-10: Cessna 172N (N42ES) — Orange County Flight Center — Fullerton, CA

Fullerton, CA, US

On August 10, 1996, a Cessna 172N (registration N42ES) operated by Orange County Flight Center was involved in an aviation accident near Fullerton, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's misjudged glide path and delayed remedial action by not promptly initiating a go-around. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of experience flying the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot initiated a go-around after a high approach, but perceiving a degradation in climb performance, terminated the maneuver and struck a perimeter fence. Post-accident inspection found no preimpact mechanical issues.

Incident Summary

During a landing approach to Fullerton Airport's runway 24, the pilot reported that the airplane was slightly high. As a result, he initiated a go-around after passing midfield. Shortly thereafter, perceiving a degradation in climb performance, the pilot terminated the attempted go-around. The airplane subsequently collided with the airport's perimeter fence.

Investigation Findings

The pilot reported that the flaps had malfunctioned during the landing approach. However, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examination of the flap operating system and the engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact malfunction. The pilot, who held a private pilot certificate issued three months prior to the incident, had a total flight time of 124 hours, with 4 hours of experience in the Cessna involved.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06551. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.