On May 21, 2005, a Cessna 172S (registration N778LP) operated by Air Fleet Training Systems Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Brooklyn, NY. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An instructional flight with an instructor and three passengers ended fatally when the airplane impacted terrain while maneuvering along a beach. The flight was overweight and had flaps at 30 degrees.
Accident Overview
An instructional flight resulted in fatal injuries to the instructor and three passengers when the airplane struck terrain while maneuvering along a beach. Radar data indicated that the aircraft was at an altitude of 300 feet and a ground speed of 60 knots just before the accident. Witnesses reported observing the airplane at low altitude before it descended in a nose-down attitude and hit the ground.
Investigation Findings
No preimpact malfunctions were discovered in the airplane. The flaps were found in the 30-degree position. A review of weight and balance information revealed that the flight was conducted in an overweight condition. According to the manufacturer's information manual, at the maximum certificated takeoff weight, an altitude loss during a stall recovery could be as much as 230 feet. For the 30-degree flap setting, published stall speeds ranged from 40 knots at 0 degrees of bank to 57 knots at 60 degrees of bank.
What happened in the 21 May 2005 Cessna 172S accident near Brooklyn, NY?
An instructional flight with an instructor and three passengers ended fatally when the airplane impacted terrain while maneuvering along a beach. The flight was overweight and had flaps at 30 degrees.
Were there any fatalities in the 21 May 2005 Cessna 172S accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 May 2005 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N778LP, operated by Air Fleet Training Systems Inc., at Brooklyn, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with terrain.
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