No fatalities

11 May 2019: Cessna 172 M — Solo Aviation — Dexter, MI

Dexter, MI, United States

On 11 May 2019, a Cessna 172 M operated by Solo Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Dexter, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane's failure to maintain a climb for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During a soft field takeoff, the pilot reported the airplane decelerated after initial climb. Despite full throttle and neutral elevators, it descended and nosed over upon nosewheel impact. Post-accident examination found no mechanical failures.

Accident Description

The airline transport pilot conducted a soft field takeoff with 10° of flaps and a takeoff run of about 600 ft. After initial climb at about 75 knots, he retracted the flaps, trimmed for normal climb, and verified full engine power. When the airplane reached about 100 ft above ground and about two-thirds down the runway, it began to decelerate to about 65 knots. The pilot leveled the airplane; he did not hear the stall warning horn activate and did not recall if engine RPMs decreased or if the engine failed. The airplane continued to decelerate and rapidly descended even though the pilot verified the throttle was full open, mixture full rich, carburetor heat off, and elevators at neutral position. Before impact, in an attempt to level the airplane, he smoothly pulled the yoke aft, but the airplane did not pitch up. The nosewheel impacted the ground and the airplane nosed over.

Damage

The tailcone and both wings were substantially damaged.

Examination

A post-accident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector confirmed engine and airframe continuity. The inspector noted that s-bend damage to the propeller was consistent with the engine producing power. The inspector added that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Climb rate — Not attained/maintained