Cessna 172 Stall During Training Climb Leads to Ground Impact

Casualties unknown • Lądowisko Kikity (EPKI), PL

A training flight at Kikity landing field resulted in a stall and spin, causing serious injuries to both the instructor and student pilot.

What happened

On 31 August 2019, a Cessna 172-S, registration SP-COM, was conducting PPL(A) training flights at the Kikity landing field (EPKI). The crew, consisting of a flight instructor and a student pilot, had been performing various maneuvers, including aerodrome traffic circuits and simulated engine failure exercises.

During the fourth flight of the day, the instructor attempted to demonstrate a climb at the best angle of climb. CCTV footage from the airfield confirmed that this climb was significantly steeper than previous maneuvers. Approximately 22 seconds after takeoff, at an altitude of roughly 8 and 80 m AGL, the aircraft experienced a stall. The aircraft entered a deep roll to the left and simultaneously transitioned into a dive.

While the instructor attempted to stop the rotation and recover from the dive, the low altitude made recovery impossible. The aircraft struck the ground with considerable force, causing the engine mount and firewall to deform and the landing gear to be destroyed. The impact resulted in two serious injuries to the crew members.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the aircraft entering a stall during the climb phase following takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-08-31 Cessna, 172 Skyhawk accident near Lądowisko Kikity (EPKI), PL?

A training flight at Kikity landing field resulted in a stall and spin, causing serious injuries to both the instructor and student pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-08-31 involved a Cessna, 172 Skyhawk, registration SP-COM, operated by Pilot samolotowy CPL(A), at Lądowisko Kikity (EPKI), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the aircraft entering a stall during the climb phase following takeoff.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2019-3918/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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