FTW93FA096

A student pilot was cleared to the local practice area to practice his upper airwork. The airplane was witnessed by pilots in another airplane in a nose dive attitude from 3,000 feet until impact with the ground. Examination of the airframe at the accident site failed to disclose any mechanical anomaly that would have prevented normal flight or recovery

History of flight

On March 6, 1993, at approximately 1041 central standard time, a Cessna 172N, N222UF, was destroyed upon impact with terrain following a controlled descent near Katy, Texas. The solo student pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area for the local instructional flight.

According to the operator, the 38 hour student pilot was cleared to the local practice area for a solo flight to review his upper airwork. The student departed the David Wayne Hooks Airport at approximately 0954 CST and proceeded to the practice area.

The pilot of another airplane witnessed the airplane in cruise flight at approximately 3,000 feet, when he observed the airplane nose over to a vertical attitude and descend at a very high rate until impact with the ground. The airplane was located in an open marsh in a vertical attitude, with the engine buried 60 inches below the soft ground.

Personnel information

The pilot was a native of the Republic of Singapore in the United States on a 6 months working permit. According to his flight instructor (statement enclosed), he was a highly motivated and detail oriented student, with above average flight aptitude. A copy of the pilot's log book as well as his training records is enclosed in this report.

Aircraft information

The airplane had been refueled with 100LL fuel after the last flight on the previous day. During the post accident examination of the wreckage at the accident site, no anomalies were found with either the airplane or its system. A review of the aircraft maintenance records failed to disclose any discrepancies.

Wreckage and impact information

Examination of the terrain and physical evidence at the wreckage site revealed that the airplane impacted the ground on a measured heading of 110 degrees. All aircraft components and wreckage was located within 100 foot radius from the main wreckage. All aircraft components and flight controls were accounted for and continuity was established to all flight controls up to the cabin. Compression damage to both wings and cabin doors was symmetrical, with the last 10 inches of each wing tip faring remaining undamaged. A damaged airspeed indicator face was located in the wreckage with needle transfers between the 155 to 160 knots range. The wing flaps were found in the up position with the elevator trim in the 10 degree up position (nose down trim).

The engine assembly sustained impact damage. The crankcase was found separated from the engine. An examination of the engine and all associated components was undertaken to establish functionality and serviceability. No anomalies were found with the engine assembly. The propeller assembly was found sheared at the propeller flange. Both blades exhibited S bending and twisting.

Medical and pathological information

An autopsy and toxicology tests were ordered and performed on the pilot. The autopsy was performed by Aurelio A. Espinosa, Deputy Chief Medical Examiner for Harris County, in Houston, Texas. Toxicological findings were negative.

Additional information

The wreckage was released to the owner's representative on March 8, 1993, upon completion of the field investigation.