No fatalities

16 Feb 2009: CESSNA 172 M — Pegasus Air LLC — Reidsville, GA

Reidsville, GA, United States

On 16 Feb 2009, a CESSNA 172 M operated by Pegasus Air LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Reidsville, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during an attempted recovery from a stall/spin. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 172M entered a spin during recovery from a practice power-off stall with flaps extended. The pilot reported applying full power and leveling the nose, causing the airplane to go sideways and spin. Speed exceeded flap limit speed, and subsequent flap retraction was accompanied by a creaking noise. Post-accident inspection revealed substantial damage to the wings and flaps.

Incident Overview

A Cessna 172M inadvertently entered a spin during recovery from a practice power-off stall. According to the pilot, the airplane had 30 degrees of flaps deployed at the time. During the recovery attempt, the pilot applied full power and brought the nose to level. He stated that the airplane then "went sideways and started spinning downwards."

Sequence of Events

The pilot did not immediately reduce engine power after the spin developed. As the airplane descended, its airspeed increased. The pilot reported that upon recovering from the spin, the airspeed was over 120 knots. However, the airplane's maximum airspeed with flaps extended is 85 knots. After the recovery, the pilot retracted the flaps and heard a "creaking noise."

Damage Assessment

A post-accident inspection of the airplane revealed that the wings and flaps sustained substantial damage. No further description of the damage was provided.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The aircraft involved was a Cessna 172M. The pilot's statement was the primary source of information regarding the event. No other details about the pilot or the flight were disclosed.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotPerformance/control parameters — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Capability exceededIncorrect use/operation