Cessna 172 Safety Record

The pilot/mechanic's improper installation of the spark plug, resulting in its separation from the engine. A factor was the unsuitable terrain available in the runway's overrun area.

The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the prevailing wind conditions, and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Factors contributing to the accident are a sudden shift in the prevailing wind at the time of the landing, and the presence of a mound of dirt near the runway.

inadequate supervision by the flight instructor (CFI), and his failure to ensure that adequate airspeed was obtained/maintained, which resulted in a stall and collision with the ground. The crosswind was a related factor.

the pilot's improper fuel consumption calculations, which resulted in the loss of engine power, due to fuel exhaustion. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

the failure of the pilot to maintain proper runway alignment and thus clearance with the snow drifts during takeoff. A factor was the distance the snow drifts extended past the runway edge.

The pilot's inadvertent visual flight rules (VFR) flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Factors include the pilot's improper decision to fly under a low ceiling while in mountainous/hilly terrain, and his encounter with fog and low clouds while maneuvering in a narrow canyon.

the pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude during the approach at night. Related factors were: darkness, and the pilot's lack of night flying experience.

Failure of the pilot in command to follow the airplane's before landing checklist and verify the landing gear was fully extended before landing. Factors in the accident were anxiety and diversion of the pilot's attention due to fuel gauge readings.

VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and spatial disorientation of the pilot, which led to loss of aircraft control, an uncontrolled descent, and subsequent collision with wooded terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, adverse weather conditions, the pilot's lack of instrument experience, and the wooded, mountainous/hilly terrain.

Failure of the flight instructor and the dual student to maintain an adequate visual lookout. Factors were the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight, inadequate altitude in which to clear obstacles, and the dual student's lack of familiarity with the geographical area.

failure of the pilot to initiate an immediate climb (go-around or missed approach) after encountering fog, while on final approach to land. Darkness and fog at the end of the runway were related factors.

inadequate preflight by the pilot, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, due to an inadequate fuel supply of fuel. Darkness and trees in the emergency landing area were related factors.

improper planning/decision by the pilot, and his mismanagement of the fuel supply, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, loss of engine power, and a forced landing into wooded terrain.