On August 24, 2003, a Cessna 172M (registration N64291) was involved in an aviation accident near Riverside, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's misjudged distance and altitude, and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. Also causal was the instructor's delayed remedial action. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a short field landing practice, a student pilot flew low on short final. The CFI took control, added power, and raised the nose, but the airplane struck a berm near the runway threshold, bounced, and came to rest on the approach end.
Overview
During a landing, the airplane collided with terrain. The pilots were practicing a short field landing with the student pilot at the controls. On short final, the airplane descended to a low altitude.
Instructor Intervention
The CFI recognized the low altitude and took over the airplane controls. Simultaneously, the CFI added power and raised the nose of the airplane.
Collision with Terrain
The airplane struck a berm that led up to the approach threshold of the runway. The berm was a raised terrain feature located before the runway surface.
Post-Impact Motion
After striking the berm, the airplane bounced. It then came to rest on the approach end of the runway, ending its motion on the runway pavement near the threshold.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 24 Aug 2003 Cessna 172M accident near Riverside, CA?
During a short field landing practice, a student pilot flew low on short final. The CFI took control, added power, and raised the nose, but the airplane struck a berm near the runway threshold, bounced, and came to rest on the approach end.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Aug 2003 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N64291, at Riverside, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's misjudged distance and altitude, and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. Also causal was the instructor's delayed remedial action.