Accident Overview
On December 29, 2013, at 1253 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172N, registration N4936D, impacted power transmission wires during an aborted landing at Whiteman Airport (WHP) in Pacoima, California. The airplane was operated by Vista Air, Inc. under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and the private pilot receiving instruction (PUI) sustained minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage due to impact forces.
Flight Details
The local instructional flight departed Whiteman Airport about 1200. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. During an attempted landing on runway 30, the airplane touched down on the runway adjacent to intersection Delta and then became airborne again. The air traffic controller heard the engine sounds increase as the airplane turned 90 degrees left. Shortly thereafter, witnesses reported that the airplane's left wing collided with power transmission lines. The airplane then descended into a building in a used car sales lot.
Pilot Reports
The CFI reported that due to high winds, he was the flying pilot during the landing. He stated that as the airplane touched down, they hit a gust of wind and became airborne. The airplane drifted left of runway centerline and the CFI added power in an attempt to crab into the wind and avoid the air traffic control tower. The airplane continued to drift left and collided with power transmission lines.
The pilot not flying estimated that upon encountering the wind gust, the airplane climbed about 50 feet above the runway. He further stated that on the attempted go-around, "another gust of wind hit us and we turned on our side. We dropped like a rock into a set of power lines."
Wind Conditions
The reported winds at Whiteman Airport during the timeframe of the accident ranged from 350 degrees at 24 knots, 320 degrees at 22 knots, 360 degrees at 26 knots, and 360 degrees at 25 knots, respectively.
Aircraft Condition
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.