N5338R

On December 31, 2002, at 1130 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172F, N5338R, registered to Aero Trade, Inc., and operated by the pilot, collided with trees during final approach at Naked Lady airstrip in Stuart, Florida. The instructional flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The certificated flight instructor, student pilot, and private pilot-rated passenger were not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from Daytona Beach International Airport in Daytona Beach, Florida, about 0830, on December 31, 2002.

According to the certificated flight instructor, prior to the approach into the private airstrip in Stuart, Florida, automated weather information was obtained from nearby Witham Field, in Stuart, Florida. The flight instructor elected to land on runway 18 at Naked Lady airstrip in Stuart, Florida, and he allowed the student pilot to attempt the landing. The flight instructor stated a wind shear or gust condition was encountered about 25 feet above the ground over the runway, and the airplane rapidly lost airspeed and sank suddenly. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and added full power. The airplane continued to sink, and the flight instructor stated the left wing was pushed down. The flight instructor applied full right rudder and full right aileron, and the airplane continuned to bank left and struck trees about 10 to 20 feet off the side of the runway.

The examination of the accident site revealed the airplane came to rest on its left side between two trees. Both wings were damaged, and the fuselage was buckled. The flight instructor reported no mechanical malfunction or component failure during the flight. A review of the 1148 weather observation data from Witham Field in Stuart, Florida, revealed winds were 160 degrees magnetic at 17 knots gusting to 29 knots.