On September 25, 2016, a CESSNA 172 M was involved in an aviation accident near Pittsfield, MA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate descent rate and runway alignment during the landing flare, which resulted in the airplane touching down left of the runway and impacting a ditch. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A solo student pilot reported that during final approach after a cross-country flight, the airplane experienced bumpy conditions, a steep angle, and stall warning horn activation. The pilot lowered the nose, touched down left of the runway, and impacted a ditch, causing substantial fuselage damage.
Event Details
A solo student pilot was completing a cross-country flight and reported that during final approach, the conditions were bumpy. The airplane was at a "pretty steep angle" and the stall warning horn was "really going crazy," according to the pilot's account.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that he attempted to avoid a stall by lowering the nose of the airplane. Subsequently, the airplane touched down to the left of the runway unexpectedly and continued moving left, ultimately impacting a ditch.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage as a result of the ditch impact. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 25 Sept 2016 CESSNA 172 M accident near Pittsfield, MA?
A solo student pilot reported that during final approach after a cross-country flight, the airplane experienced bumpy conditions, a steep angle, and stall warning horn activation. The pilot lowered the nose, touched down left of the runway, and impacted a ditch, causing substantial fuselage damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 25 Sept 2016 CESSNA 172 M accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Sept 2016 involved a CESSNA 172 M, at Pittsfield, MA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate descent rate and runway alignment during the landing flare, which resulted in the airplane touching down left of the runway and impacting a ditch.