On March 31, 1998, a Cessna 172M (registration N9233H) was involved in an aviation accident near Kingsport, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The dual student's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall mush. Contributing to the accident were the flight instructor's inadequate supervision and the night conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a night VFR cross-country flight, a student pilot and CFI struck an approach light pole on final approach, causing the aircraft to come to rest inverted near the runway threshold.
Accident Details
A dual night VFR cross-country flight was conducted in preparation for the student pilot's solo cross-country flight. The flight was under the supervision of a certified flight instructor (CFI).
Flight Sequence
According to the CFI, when the aircraft rolled wings level on final approach, the student pilot did not have the runway in sight and was being directed by the CFI. In the process of acquiring visual contact with the runway, the aircraft became low and slow. The student pilot was making a correction when the wheels collided with an approach light pole.
Aftermath
The airplane came to rest inverted approximately 300 feet from the runway threshold.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 31 Mar 1998 Cessna 172M accident near Kingsport, TN?
During a night VFR cross-country flight, a student pilot and CFI struck an approach light pole on final approach, causing the aircraft to come to rest inverted near the runway threshold.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Mar 1998 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N9233H, at Kingsport, TN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The dual student's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall mush. Contributing to the accident were the flight instructor's inadequate supervision and the night conditions.
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