Cessna 172P N54873 accident near Valley Springs, California

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering for landing and his decision to land on a surface with obstructions.

NTSB analysis

The two commercial pilots reported that the purpose of the flight was to identify suitable emergency landing sites in the area. They located a small private airport, and they decided to make a landing. The right-seat pilot took control and made a low pass over the runway and saw piles of gravel blocking half the width of the runway. He decided to attempt a short-field landing. While maneuvering for landing, the airplane was in a left bank turn when the wing collided with a tree. The pilot applied rudder control and thought about going around but decided against it due to trees blocking the runway. He entered the airplane into a left-wing-down slip as he tried to keep the airplane as level as possible. The airplane touched down on the right landing gear, and the right wing dug into the dirt. The airplane subsequently came to rest inverted.

During the accident sequence, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Neither pilot submitted the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Form 6120.1.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR18CA048 for the full record.