AAIB Bulletin: 2/2018
Cessna R172 Hawk XP · Service Bulletins
Overview
This document is an AAIB Bulletin detailing an accident involving a Cessna R172K Hawk XP aircraft, registration G-XPII. The bulletin provides a comprehensive account of the incident that occurred on November 4, 2017, during a training flight at Nottingham City Airport. It outlines the circumstances leading to the accident, including the experience of the pilot and the nature of the damage sustained by the aircraft. The bulletin serves as an important resource for pilots, instructors, and aviation safety professionals, highlighting critical factors that contributed to the accident and emphasizing the need for proper training and awareness during flight operations.
- Aircraft involved: Cessna R172K Hawk XP, registration G-XPII.
- Accident occurred on November 4, 2017, during a training flight.
- Pilot had 691 total flying hours, with 82 hours on type.
- Significant damage included distortion of the engine frame and firewall.
- Emphasizes the need for proper training and awareness of airspeed during approaches.
Document
Source
Originally published by assets.publishing.service.gov.uk. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type
- Service Bulletins
- Year
- 2018
- Pages
- 1
- File size
- 131 KB
- Publisher
- assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the Cessna R172 Hawk XP.
- Pilot's Operating Handbook / AFM
- Checklist
- Maintenance Manual
- Parts Catalog (IPC)
- Systems & Wiring
- Service Bulletins
- Type Certificate (TCDS)
More Cessna R172 Hawk XPmanuals & documents
- SkyView Autopilot Servo Installation & Maintenance ManualAvionics Manual
- AFMS – GFC 500 Autopilot in Textron 172 SeriesNormal Procedures
- SERVICE BULLETIN No. 090 Alternator Thru-BoltsService Bulletins
- PILOT Flight CheckPilot's Operating Handbook
- PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK CESSNA MODEL R172KPilot's Operating Handbook
- Cessna 172 Series Service ManualService Bulletins
- PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK - Hawk XPPilot's Operating Handbook
In this document
Accident Overview
The bulletin describes an accident involving the Cessna R172K Hawk XP, G-XPII, which occurred during a training flight. The aircraft was operated by a qualified pilot receiving instruction from the right seat. The incident involved a go-around due to the aircraft being too high and slow during the approach to land.
Pilot Experience
The pilot in command held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had a total of 691 flying hours, with 82 hours on the Cessna R172K. In the last 90 days, the pilot logged 15 hours, and in the last 28 days, 7 hours.
Nature of Damage
Post-accident inspection revealed significant damage to the aircraft, including distortion of the engine frame and firewall, creasing of the left outer wing, and skin damage to the lower forward fuselage.
Flight Dynamics
During the final approach, the aircraft experienced fluctuating airspeed, prompting the instructor to alert the pilot. At 20-30 feet, the pilot initiated a flare with low power, leading to further deceleration and a hard landing.
Training Implications
The bulletin emphasizes the importance of situational awareness and monitoring airspeed, particularly for pilots training from the right seat, as the pilot reported difficulty in monitoring the airspeed indicator.
Safety notes
- Pilots should maintain situational awareness of airspeed during landing approaches.
- Instructors must ensure that trainee pilots are familiar with aircraft dynamics from both seats.
Full document text
60 ©Crown copyright 2018 AAIB Bulletin: 2/2018 G-XPII EW/G2017/11/07 ACCIDENT Aircraft Type and Registration: Cessna R172K Hawk XP, G-XPII No & Type of Engines: 1 Continental Motors Corp IO-360-KB piston engine Year of Manufacture: 1979 (Serial no: R172-3071) Date & Time (UTC): 4 November 2017 at 1415 hrs Location: Nottingham City Airport Type of Flight: Training Persons on Board: Crew - 2 Passengers - 1 Injuries: Crew - None Passengers - 1 (Minor) Nature of Damage: Engine frame and firewall distorted, creasing of left outer wing and skin damage to lower forward fuselage Commander’s Licence: Private Pilot’s Licence Commander’s Age: 58 years Commander’s Flying Experience: 691 hours (of which 82 were on type) Last 90 days - 15 hours Last 28 days - 7 hours Information Source: Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot A qualified pilot was receiving instruction on flying from the right seat and the first approach to land resulted in a go-around because the aircraft was too high and too slow. During the latter part of the second circuit, the airspeed fluctuated and the instructor prompted the pilot several times when he saw the speed reducing towards the targeted minimum. At 20-30 feet and with a low power setting, the pilot began to flare, causing the aircraft to decelerate further and then sink. The instructor took control but was unable to prevent the aircraft from striking the ground heavily and bouncing before the landing was completed. After the flight, the aircraft was found to be damaged and the pilot undergoing training stated that she had difficulty in monitoring the airspeed indicator from the right seat. The instructor assessed that the pilot was unaware the aircraft was high and slow at the beginning of the landing flare, because of being unfamiliar with flying from this seat.