Analysis and Causes Cessna 172K Skyhawk Incident at Spartanburg Downtown Airport

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On Friday, September 20, 2024, a privately-owned Cessna 172K Skyhawk (N7037G) was involved in a crash near Spartanburg Downtown Airport (SPA/KSPA) in South Carolina.


The aircraft, manufactured in 1969, sustained significant damage during the accident, but the sole pilot onboard miraculously escaped without any injuries. No other casualties were reported.

Accident Details

The accident occurred at approximately 15:43 local time, shortly after the aircraft took off from runway 5 at Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport. ADS-B data revealed that the airplane was accelerating down the 5,852-foot-long runway before veering to the right near the departure end.

The pilot attempted to turn back toward the runway, briefly climbing to an altitude of 25 feet before the aircraft descended into a residential area just outside the airport boundary.

Preliminary reports suggest that mechanical issues or pilot error could have played a role in the accident, but the investigation is ongoing. While the airplane received substantial damage, including to the airframe and possible engine components, no structural fires were reported.

Weather Conditions

Weather at the time of the incident was generally favorable. The METAR reports from Spartanburg Downtown Airport at 19:35Z (3:35 PM local time) indicated winds from 040 degrees at 6 knots, with scattered clouds at 4,900 and 6,500 feet, and visibility of 7 statute miles.

The temperature was recorded at 30°C, with a dew point of 16°C, and the altimeter setting was 29.90 inches of mercury. Later observations at 19:55Z and 20:15Z reported similar conditions, with winds slightly shifting and visibility improving to 10 miles.

While wind and visibility were within the operational range of a Cessna 172, environmental factors such as the reported wind direction shifts and a hot, humid atmosphere may have contributed to decreased aircraft performance during the initial climb. However, further investigation is needed to determine whether the weather played a direct role in the crash.

Analysis of the Incident

The Cessna 172 is one of the most widely flown aircraft in general aviation, known for its stability and reliability. However, incidents like this one highlight the importance of vigilant pre-flight checks, especially on older models. 

The Cessna 172K Skyhawk involved in this accident was over 50 years old, raising questions about the maintenance and airworthiness of the aircraft.

There are several factors that investigators are likely to examine closely:

Mechanical Issues:

Given the age of the aircraft, a mechanical failure such as engine power loss, flight control malfunction, or issues with avionics could be potential contributing factors. The data showing a deviation from the normal takeoff path suggests a possible control or power issue.

Pilot Response:

The pilot’s decision to veer right and then attempt a turn back toward the runway will also be scrutinized. This could indicate an attempt to return to the field after recognizing a problem, but the low altitude would have made such a maneuver risky. Pilots are often trained to continue straight ahead in such situations to avoid loss of control, which may have been a factor here.

Environmental Considerations:

While weather conditions were generally benign, the high temperature and humidity may have led to reduced engine performance, a critical consideration during the initial climb. Hot, humid air can cause density altitude to rise, reducing engine and aerodynamic efficiency.

Human Factors:

The confidence rating in the report suggests that detailed information is primarily sourced from unofficial channels. However, investigators will look into the pilot’s experience and recent flying activity to understand how well they might have handled the situation under pressure.

Conclusion

While no lives were lost in this crash, the incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with flying older aircraft. With the ongoing investigation, more details are expected to emerge regarding the specific causes behind the crash. Until then, it is crucial for operators of vintage aircraft to ensure rigorous maintenance and adherence to safety protocols before every flight.

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Location: Spartanburg Downtown Airport, 500 Ammons Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29306, USA

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