On May 27, 2005, a Cessna 172 (registration N496AC) was involved in an aviation accident near Raleigh, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance during initial climb, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a night landing on runway 32, the airplane bounced. The pilot added full power and initiated a right climbing turn. After observing another airplane on final approach to runway 23L, the pilot continued the turn, but airspeed dropped to 40 knots, and the airplane collided with trees.
Accident Details
The pilot reported that after returning from a cross-country flight, they conducted a night landing on runway 32. Upon touchdown, the airplane bounced. The pilot responded by adding full power and initiating a right climbing turn. During this maneuver, the pilot observed another airplane on short final approach to runway 23L and decided to continue the right climbing turn. Shortly thereafter, the pilot noticed the airspeed had decreased to 40 knots. The airplane subsequently collided with trees.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage. The nose was crushed and displaced aft toward the firewall. The right wing assembly displayed leading edge crush damage and had separated at the wing root. The left wing assembly was buckled and displaced aft. Both the vertical and horizontal stabilizers were buckled and twisted. The empennage was also buckled. The pilot reported no flight control anomalies prior to the accident.
What happened in the 27 May 2005 Cessna 172 accident near Raleigh, NC?
During a night landing on runway 32, the airplane bounced. The pilot added full power and initiated a right climbing turn. After observing another airplane on final approach to runway 23L, the pilot continued the turn, but airspeed dropped to 40 knots, and the airplane collided with trees.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 May 2005 involved a Cessna 172, registration N496AC, at Raleigh, NC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance during initial climb, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees
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