Stall and Spin Maneuvers Lead to Fatal Cessna 172 Crash - Episode 213

An experienced flight instructor and student were killed when stall and spin practice in a Cessna 172 went horribly wrong. Flight data recorded by the aircraft and other evidence shows that the aircraft entered a very steep spiral turn nearly 6,000 above the ground and did not recover.

“They set themselves up for the right conditions. This accident just doesn’t make sense,” John Goglia says.

Todd Curtis and John dig into the November 11, 2021 fatal plane crash. The flight instructor had nearly 15,000 hours of experience in the Cessna 172 and the student pilot had nearly 370 hours in the same make and model. No mechanical fault was found with the plane involved.

Based on information in the student's logbook and the Cessna 172 operating handbook, the student pilot and instructor may have been performing a maneuver associated with obtaining a commercial pilot certificate. Todd, who is also considering the same certification, discusses the requirement that the pilot be familiar with spiral turns.

Students pursuing a private pilot certificate are not required to perform a spin maneuver, but it is still often part of flight instruction. They advise aspiring pilots to decline optional maneuvers that they think are too risky.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website.

Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.

Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.