What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering, and, the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. A factor in the accident was the strong tailwind encountered as the airplane turned from an upwind to a downwind during the teardrop maneuver.

Stall and Spin During Simulated Engine Failure Maneuver (N526CD)

Q: What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-01-09 involved a Cirrus Design Corp. SR20, registration N526CD, operated by Gene Hudson Flight Training, at Lancaster, CA.

On January 9, 2006, a Cirrus Design Corp. SR20 (registration N526CD) operated by Gene Hudson Flight Training was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering, and, the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data API Editorial standards

While simulating an engine failure on climb-out, an airplane performing a teardrop return to the airport stalled and spun into terrain. The accident occurred after a prior successful recovery from a similar maneuver.

Accident Overview

The accident occurred while the airplane was simulating an engine failure on climb-out. According to air traffic control, the instructor had requested a teardrop return to runway engine-out maneuver after several touch-and-go landings on runway 06. During the first attempt, the airplane executed a left teardrop 180-degree turn aiming for runway 24, losing significant altitude but recovering prior to landing and executing a go-around. On the second attempt, the airplane again entered a left teardrop turn and subsequently "spin to the ground."

Maneuver Description

The airplane was observed entering a left teardrop maneuver as it attempted to return to the airport. During the turn, the airplane stalled, entered a spin, and impacted level terrain. The impact point was 1 nautical mile northeast of the departure end of runway 06. The reported winds were 060 degrees at 15 knots.

Impact and Wreckage

Examination of the wreckage revealed the airplane impacted the terrain in a 70-degree nose-down, left wing low attitude. All flight control surfaces, engine, propeller, and Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) components were located at the site. The engine and propeller were embedded in the ground approximately 2 feet, and all three propeller blades exhibited rotational scoring.

Recorded Data

Recorded data was retrieved from the Avidyne Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multi-Function Display (MFD). The data log from the accident flight covered a time stamp from 12:17:36 to 13:32:00 on January 9, 2006. The next scheduled data-logging event would have been at 13:33:00, but the unit ceased operation before that point. At the last data sampling point, engine rpm was 2,680, manifold pressure was 27.5 inches, and electrical bus voltage was 27.5 volts. The recorded data did not show any engine or system anomalies. The MFD data was consistent with visual information provided by witnesses.

Loss of control in flight

2006-01-09: Cirrus Design Corp. SR20 (N526CD) — Gene Hudson Flight Training — Lancaster, CA