# NTSB CEN18LA344: Cessna 172, N893JA, Addison, TX, August 18, 2018 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: August 18, 2018, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC) - Place: Addison, TX - Coordinates: 32.968612, -96.836387 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9686&lon=-96.8364&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 3 serious - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 98111 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN18LA344 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/98111/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=98111 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA344 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper flap setting for takeoff and subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing was the overgross state of the airplane. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: use of equip/system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172S, 14 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md?model=2072439), [All aircraft, 1,391 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172S, 206 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2072439), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172S, 21 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md?model=2072439), [All aircraft, 1,269 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md) - [Flight control system: tE flap control system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022750): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172S, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022750/cases.md?model=2072439), [All aircraft, 74 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022750/cases.md) - [Loading](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01011500): Aircraft › Aircraft handling/service · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172S, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01011500/cases.md?model=2072439), [All aircraft, 35 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01011500/cases.md) - [Planning/preparation: weight/balance calculations](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172S, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061015/cases.md?model=2072439), [All aircraft, 110 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061015/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Prior to flight: Aircraft loading event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/010); cases with it: [Cessna 172S, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/010/sequence.md?model=2072439), [All aircraft, 84 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/010/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 172S, 21 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md?model=2072439), [All aircraft, 1,529 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that, shortly after departing on a discovery flight, the airplane began veering left. He applied right rudder and aileron; however, the airplane continued to veer left. He recalled hearing the stall warning horn and stated that he lowered the nose and adjusted the trim, but the airplane continued in a nose-down position and impacted the ground. A video of the accident flight showed the airplane in a high- pitch attitude shortly after takeoff, followed by the left wing dropping and a rapid descent, consistent with an aerodynamic stall. Given that the pilot had just taken off, there was insufficient altitude to recover from the stall. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage. A postaccident examination did not reveal any evidence of a preimpact failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation. The examination revealed a flap setting of 30°. Weight and balance calculations determined that the airplane was loaded about 138 lbs over its maximum gross weight, which, in combination with the flap setting during takeoff, would have adversely affected the airplane’s climb rate. In an attempt to maintain a positive rate of climb, the pilot inadvertently exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack and aerodynamically stalled the airplane. ## Factual narrative On August 18, 2018, about 1500 central daylight time, a Cessna 172S airplane, N893JA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Addison, Texas. The pilot and two passengers were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 discovery flight. The pilot stated that, before departing Addison Airport (ADS), Addison, Texas, on the discovery flight with two passengers on board, he completed a weight and balance calculation on his phone and determined they were within the center of gravity limits for the airplane. He stated that the fuel had been “topped off” (56 gallons) by the prior flight instructor. The pilot explained that he cycled the flaps twice during his preflight inspection, once to ensure they fully extended and retracted, and a second time to visually inspect the rods and roller tracks. No issues were identified during the preflight inspection. The pilot reported that the engine performed “normally” on takeoff until the airplane began veering to the left. He applied right rudder and aileron. The controls felt normal with no resistance, but the airplane continued to veer over the grass toward the taxiway. The pilot recalled hearing the stall warning horn sound; he lowered the nose and adjusted the trim. He tried to keep the nose up, but the airplane continued in a nose-down position and impacted the dirt. The pilot recalled the airplane’s nose had started to lift prematurely when he applied power and he attempted to push it down before liftoff. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage. A surveillance video from a tenant at ADS showed the airplane in a high-pitch attitude shortly after takeoff. As the airplane moved into the center of the video frame, its pitch attitude remained consistent until the left wing dropped, followed by a quick descent. The airplane impacted the ground left wing first. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical issues with the airplane. A postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any evidence of a preimpact failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation. The flap actuator indicated a flap setting of 30°. A weight and balance calculation based on the available loading information revealed that the takeoff gross weight was about 2,688 lbs; the maximum gross weight of the airplane was 2,550 lbs. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N893JA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N893JA-2020-08-06), registration cancelled 2020-08-06, S/N 172S10893, built 2009 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 172 (S) - Registry model: [Cessna 172S](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172s) (registry code 2072439) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-360-L2A](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-360-l2a) (registry code 41597, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 172S10893 - Year built: 2009 - Airframe hours: 2400.6 - Engines: Lycoming IO-360-L2A 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Operator: US Sport Aircraft - Registered owner: Mat-Valley Aero Services Llc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, July 6, 2018 - Destination: Same as departure - Airport: ADS, Addison, runway 15, 7,203 × 100 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Auto-pilot, Electronic multifunction display, Electronic primary flight display, Stall warning system ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 26; injuries: serious; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review January 12, 2018; seat: right; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 612.3 total, 551.8 as pilot in command, 161.1 in the last 90 days, 47.3 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 220° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 99 °F, dew point 66 °F - Altimeter: 29.91 inHg - Observed at: KADS ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20180818024719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20180818024719A), Aug 18, 2018: Cessna 172S, Addison, TX, Destroyed. Aircraft departed and failed to maintain a safe flying speed on climb out. ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on May 6, 2021, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=98111. 36.9 MB in all. - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 9 pages, 5.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=11775992&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=CEN18LA344%20Completed%20NTSB%206120%20form%20w%20blocks%20filled_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Memorandum of record - interview with pilot (item 2, PDF, 2 pages, 140 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=11775742&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Memorandum%20of%20Record%20Interview%20with%20Pilot-Rel.pdf - Memorandum of record - post-accident wreckage exam (item 3, PDF, 2 pages, 169 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=11775765&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=CEN18LA344%20Memorandum%20of%20Record%20for%20Wreckage%20Exam-Rel.pdf - Photograph of reservation system showing reported passenger weights (item 4, PDF, 1 page, 631 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=11775953&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Reported%20Passenger%20Weights%20Diagram_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Photos of accident site with weight & balance paperwork from airplane (item 5, PDF, 3 pages, 393 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=11775785&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Photos%20of%20Accident%20Site%20With%20Weight%20%26%20Balance%20Paperwork%20from%20Airplane-Rel.pdf - Video of accident sequence (item 6, MP4, 30.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=11835112&FileExtension=mp4&FileName=CEN18LA344%20N893JA_cut%20for%20docket-Rel.mp4 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.