On February 16, 2020 a Cessna 172M, registration N1126U, experienced a loss of directional control and impact with terrain. The aircraft was substantially damaged and there were no injuries.

The pilot reported that, while on approach to landing, the airplane was hard to control, so he elected to troubleshoot the control issue in the air and initiated a go-around. The airplane lifted off the runway and began a climb, but rapidly rolled to the right, then left and impacted terrain. The pilot further described that the right rudder pedal was not functioning properly prior to the flight during taxi and that he had difficulty maintaining directional control during the approach. In addition, the pilot stated he lost directional control due to a rudder anomaly during a flight in the airplane that occurred several weeks prior.

A Federal Aviation Administrator inspector examined the airplane after the accident and confirmed that the airplane's wings had been substantially damaged during the accident. A post-accident examination of the rudder control system revealed no evidence of a pre-accident mechanical failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 68, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/21/2019
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:01/14/2020

Flight Time: 3,307 hours (all aircraft), 250 hours (this make and model)


Aircraft Information:


Model/Series: 172 M
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1976
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17266855
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 01/14/2020, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2299 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 58 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 14,958 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320 -E2D
Registered Owner: Schubert Brothers Aviation Inc
Rated Power: 150 hp
Operator: Schubert Brothers Aviation Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Operator Does Business As: Rochester Air Center

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: ROC, 558 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1152 EST
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 1500 ft agl
Wind Speed/Gusts: 9 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 250°
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 2°C / -2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Rochester, NY (ROC)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Rochester, NY (ROC)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1040 EST
Type of Airspace: Class C

Airport Information

Airport: Greater Rochester Intl (ROC)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 558 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 25
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4000 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Touch and Go

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: One crew, not injured
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: One passenger, not injured

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