Student Pilot and Instructor Involved in Runway Excursion

Casualties unknown • Daytona Beach, FL, US

A flight instructor and student pilot experienced a wingtip strike and runway excursion during a go-around attempt following airwork.

What happened

Following the completion of airwork, a flight instructor and a student pilot returned to the airport traffic pattern. The aircraft transitioned through the base leg and onto final approach with 20 degrees of flaps extended. At the time, the wind was reported as a direct crosswind from the right at 4 knots.

During the landing sequence, the instructor noted that the aircraft flared slightly high and maintained a speed that appeared slightly fast. While holding the pitch attitude, the airplane began to descend at a higher rate than anticipated. In response, the instructor applied partial then full power to initiate a go-around while maintaining the established pitch.

During this maneuver, the flight controls became sluggish. The instructor relaxed back pressure on the controls, causing the aircraft to bank to the left. This bank was not corrected using full right aileron and rudder input. Consequently, the left wingtip made contact with the runway. The impact caused the airplane to rotate approximately 180 degrees before coming to rest in an upright position. Both occupants were not injured.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and correct a left bank with sufficient aileron and rudder during a go-around maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-02-26 Cessna 150M accident near Daytona Beach, FL?

A flight instructor and student pilot experienced a wingtip strike and runway excursion during a go-around attempt following airwork.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-02-26 involved a Cessna 150M, registration N45194, operated by Wrightway Aviation, Inc., at Daytona Beach, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and correct a left bank with sufficient aileron and rudder during a go-around maneuver.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09593. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…