NTSB Factual Report

On Mach 7, 2006, about 1300 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172N, N739NU, collided with power lines, impacted a roadway, and came to rest inverted next to the Compton/Woodley Airport, Compton, California. Aero Squad operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The certified flight instructor (CFI) pilot, and the student pilot undergoing instruction (PUI) sustained minor injuries; the airplane was substantially damage. The local instructional flight departed Compton/Woodley Airport about 1050. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The approximate global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the primary wreckage were 33 degrees 53 minutes north latitude by 118 degrees 15 minutes west longitude.

The instructor pilot stated that while on short final to land, she was flying the airplane with the student holding the controls lightly to feel the movement. During level off, turbulence was encountered pushing the airplane up and scaring the student pilot. The student pilot grabbed firm hold on the controls and the airplane began to drift to the left. The instructor said to the student "I have the controls. Don't be scared," but the student would not release the controls. The airplane continued to drift left towards parked airplanes and hangars. The instructor initiated a go-around, added full throttle, and tried to steer the airplane back toward the runway but could not overpower the student's grip on the controls. The airplane cleared the hangars but the landing gear got entangled in power lines and the airplane came down nose first on to a street.

NTSB Probable Cause

control interference by the student pilot during a go-around that resulted in an in-flight collision with power lines.