Incident Details
On January 5, 2016, at approximately 1235 Central Standard Time, a Cessna 172R, registration N72AF, impacted terrain while attempting to land at Sulfur Springs Municipal Airport (SLR), Sulfur Springs, Texas. The solo student pilot on board was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged.
The flight originated from Dallas, Texas, at 1150, and was operating under visual flight rules on a cross-country flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
According to the student pilot, during touchdown he lost control of the airplane. The aircraft crossed over a grass strip onto a taxiway, then crossed the taxiway and impacted in a ditch. The nose wheel became stuck in the ditch, causing the airplane to nose over.
Aircraft and Operator
The airplane was a Cessna 172R, owned and operated by American Flyers of California, Incorporated. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as an instructional flight.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder, left wing strut, cowling, firewall, and engine mount. The nose gear separated at the firewall.
Weather
At the time of the incident, the reported weather conditions at SLR were: wind calm, clear skies, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 5°C, dew point -2°C, and altimeter 30.37 inches of Mercury.
Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies to the flight controls, engine, or other airplane systems.