This June 2009 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Challenger II. Injuries: 1 Minor. Location: Moses Lakes, Wash. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The flight instructor said that after completing a series of maneuvers in the local practice area, he had the student pilot enter the traffic pattern for runway 16.The wind at the time of the accident was 250° at 8 knots, which equates to a right crosswind component of 8 knots. The student pilot was instructed to execute a low approach above the runway and then go around. During the low approach, as the airplane passed midfield, the right wing began to lift up. The airplane veered to the left. The student added full power.
The flight instructor announced he was taking control of the airplane and grabbed the controls. Despite the CFI’s attempts to level the wings and gain air speed to begin a climb, the left wing hit a parked airplane. The student pilot stated that he did not hear the CFI announce he was taking control of the airplane, and therefore did not relinquish the controls. The flight instructor stated when the engine was at full power, the noise level was such that verbal communication was impossible.
Probable cause: The student pilot’s inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain lateral roll control of the airplane. Also causal was the flight instructor’s failure to effectively communicate his instruction to relinquish the flight controls to the student pilot and his inadequate supervision of the flight.
For more information: NTSB.gov. NTSB identification: WPR09CA283.
