On June 19, 2005, a Cessna 172N (registration N733RL) operated by Aviation Services was involved in an aviation accident near Hudson, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's improper use raising of the flaps. Contributing factors were the student pilot's misunderstanding of the instructor's intentions, the instructor's inadequate supervision of the student pilot, the density altitude, and the soft terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During touch-and-go practice, a flight instructor took control after a student's errors, then hastily retracted flaps fully, causing a loss of lift and a nose-over on soft ground.
Accident Details
A flight instructor and his private pilot student were practicing touch-and-go landings. During one such landing, the student failed to turn off the carburetor heat and did not retract the flaps after the touch-and-go. The instructor then assumed control of the aircraft.
Sequence of Events
After taking control, the instructor turned off the carburetor heat. He later stated that he became "hasty" and retracted the flaps completely in a single motion, rather than in gradual increments. This action resulted in a loss of lift. The aircraft subsequently touched down on soft ground and nosed over.
Environmental Conditions
The temperature at the time of the accident was 92 degrees Fahrenheit, with a calculated density altitude of 7,713 feet above mean sea level.
What happened in the 19 Jun 2005 Cessna 172N accident near Hudson, CO?
During touch-and-go practice, a flight instructor took control after a student's errors, then hastily retracted flaps fully, causing a loss of lift and a nose-over on soft ground.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Jun 2005 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N733RL, operated by Aviation Services, at Hudson, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The flight instructor's improper use raising of the flaps. Contributing factors were the student pilot's misunderstanding of the instructor's intentions, the instructor's inadequate supervision of the student pilot, the density altitude, and the soft terrain.
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