Undetermined · NTSB CEN12LA059
CESSNA 172M — Sturgis, SD
| Date | November 11, 2011 |
| Location | Sturgis, SD |
| Aircraft | CESSNA 172M |
| Purpose of flight | Instructional |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Prior to flight Miscellaneous/other |
| Pilot age | 57 |
| Pilot total time | 10 hrs · Student / very low time |
| Time in type | 10 hrs |
| Fatalities | 1 |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Aircraft-Aircraft structures-Wing structure-Trailing edge flaps-Incorrect use/operation - C
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Pitch control-Not attained/maintained - C
- Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Student pilot - C
- Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Experience/qualifications-Total experience-Student pilot
What happened
The flight instructor stated that during the student pilot’s second solo landing, the airplane’s flaps were not retracted before the next takeoff. After takeoff, the airplane pitched up to a 60-degree nose-up attitude. According to the flight instructor, the airplane’s engine sounded like it was developing full power. The airplane entered a half-turn spin and impacted the terrain vertically. Postaccident examination showed that the flaps were extended and revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction or anomaly that would have precluded normal operation. Toxicology tests detected acetaminophen and diphenhydramine in the pilot's urine. Although diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness, the investigation could not determine whether it contributed to the accident.