# NTSB BFO92LA081: Cessna 172M, N733PG, Coatesville, PA, May 23, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 23, 1992, 10:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Coatesville, PA
- Coordinates: 39.979618, -75.809547 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.9796&lon=-75.8095&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 9, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11804
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO92LA081
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11804/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO92LA081

## Probable cause

THE PASSENGERS INTERFERENCE WITH THE CONTROL YOKE, WHICH RESULTED IN THE AIRPLANE ENTERING AN UNUSUAL ATTITUDE, AND THE PILOT OVERSTRESSING THE WINGS DURING THE RECOVERY.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - control interference, passenger (cause)
  - descent - initiated (contributing factor)
  - wing - overload (contributing factor)
  - pull-up - initiated, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS DEMONSTRATING A STALL, WITH FLAPS EXTENDED, TO THE PASSENGER WHO ABRUPTLY PUSHED THE CONTROL YOKE FORWARD.  ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE AIRPLANE WENT BEYOND VERTICAL AND DESCENDED FROM 3700 TO 1200 FT MSL BEFORE HE RECOVERED.  THE PILOT LANDED SHORTLY AFTERWARDS.  POST EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED, THE FLAPS, AND WINGS WERE SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N733PG](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N733PG), registered now, S/N 17268438, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172M
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17268438
- Airframe hours: 2235
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 161 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Civil Air Patrol
- Registered owner: Civil Air Patrol
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 15, 1992
- Departed: 40N
- Destination: 40N

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 448 total, 132 in this make and model, 338 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 17 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 39 °F

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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