N677DMCessna 172S · 2004

The pilot was performing a practice power off 180o landing in preparation for his commercial check ride with a flight instructor onboard acting as observer. During the base turn to land, the pilot realized he was too high and began to conduct “S” turns to increase descent rate. He then leveled the airplane but was too low and positioned left of the runway centerline. The flight instructor observed that the airplane was close to trees and called for the pilot to conduct a go around. The airplane then contacted the top of a tree and then the ground. Both of the airplane’s wings, the fuselage, and the empennage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would preclude normal operation.

The pilot reported that, while conducting the instrument landing system (ILS) 24 approach at night in instrument meteorological conditions, while correcting course on the ILS, she saw full right deflection, corrected to the left, and then observed full left deflection on the course direction indicator (CDI) at about the decision altitude. She then heard and felt a loud "bang." The airplane turned left, she aborted the approach, executed the missed approach, and declared an emergency. She was then vectored to a nearby airport where she landed without further incident.

An examination by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed pine needles in the damaged section of the airplane's left wing.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

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

The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 220° at 5 knots, visibility one-quarter statute miles, runway visual range 1,800 ft variable 2,200 ft, cloud condition fog, vertical visibility 200 ft, temperature 21°C (70°F), dew point 21°C (70°F), altimeter setting 30.01" Hg. The airplane was landing runway 24.