Primary finding
Probable cause
the student pilot's inadvertent interference with flight controls which resulted in a stall. A factor associated with the accident was the student's excessive use of the elevator control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The cfi stated the student pilot applied full aft elevator control during final approach at an altitude of about 10 feet agl. The cfi attempted to push the elevator control forward, but the student froze on the controls. The cfi stated he attempted a 'stall recovery/go-around.' a witness stated the airplane rolled to the right and made a 180 degree turn prior to impacting the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 7, 1995, at 1205 central daylight time, a Cessna 150L, N6605G, flown by a certificated flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot, collided with the terrain during a go-around at the St. Charles County-Smartt Airport, during an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged. The certificated flight instructor and student pilot both received minor injuries. The local flight originated from the St. Charles County-Smartt Airport approximately 40 minutes prior to the accident. The CFI stated during an interview that they were practicing stop and go landings on runway 36 when the accident occurred. He stated that while on final approach, at an altitude of about 10 feet above the ground (agl), the student pulled off the power and pulled the control yoke full aft. He stated this resulted in the airplane climbing to an altitude of about 30 feet (agl). He stated he attempted to push the yoke forward, but the student froze holding full back pressure on the control yoke. The CFI reported he attempted a "stall recovery/go-around." According to a witness, the airplane rolled to the right and made a 180 degree turn prior to descending nose low into the terrain. The student pilot stated the landing was too high and that the CFI took over control of the airplane adding full power and reducing carburetor heat. He stated he may have pulled the yoke back too far during the landing, but he did not remember freezing on the controls. -