N21794

Substantial
Serious

Cessna 172S/N: 17264023

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, May 11, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA258
Location
Dexter, MI
Event ID
20190512X35801
Coordinates
42.426944, -83.866668
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
2
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The airplane's failure to maintain a climb for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.  

Aircraft Information

Registration
N21794
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
17264023
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1975
Model / ICAO
172C172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
REPHOLZ CHARLES
Address
11330 SUNSET BLVD
Status
Deregistered
City
PINCKNEY
State / Zip Code
MI 48169-9008
Country
United States

Analysis

The airline transport pilot reported that he configured the airplane with 10º of flaps during a soft field takeoff with a takeoff run of about 600 ft. After the initial climb, about 75 knots, he retracted the flaps, trimmed the aircraft for normal climb, and verified full engine power. About 100 ft above the ground and about two-thirds down the runway, the airplane started to decelerate to about 65 knots. He leveled the airplane and did not hear the stall warning horn activate nor recalled if the engine RPMs decreased or if the engine failed producing power. The airplane continued to decelerate and rapidly descended even when the pilot verified that the throttle was full open, the mixture full rich, the carburetor heat off, and the 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.

The tailcone and both wings were substantially damaged.

A post examination of the airplane by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector, engine and airframe continuity were confirmed. The inspector further reported that the 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.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA258