Loss of Control in Flight · NTSB CEN11LA082
CESSNA 172M — Velma, OK
| Date | November 24, 2010 |
| Location | Velma, OK |
| Aircraft | CESSNA 172M |
| Purpose of flight | Aerial Observation |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Uncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) |
| Pilot age | 48 |
| Pilot total time | 1,269 hrs · Experienced |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 1 |
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's relative inexperience in pipeline patrols.
NTSB findings
- Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot - C
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Airspeed-Not attained/maintained - F
- Personnel issues-Task performance-Workload management-Task overload-Pilot - F
- Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Experience/qualifications-Total experience in position-Pilot - F
- Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Contributed to outcome
What happened
The pilot had been flying pipeline patrol for approximately 4 months and had no previous pipeline patrol experience. According to witnesses, the pilot was circling and attempting to guide a ground crew to a pipeline leak. He made four complete circles around the leak and, on the fifth circle, the airplane rolled into a hard left turn. The nose of the airplane dropped, and the airplane struck power lines during the ensuing uncontrolled descent. An examination of the airplane’s structure, engine, and systems revealed no anomalies. Recorded weather observations and witness reports indicated gusting wind in the area of the accident site.