NTSB

A 17-year-old student pilot on her second solo flight likely committed pilot error that caused the airplane crash last year in Clinton County, a federal aviation agency investigating the crash stated in a report.

Maisie E. Bitler crashed after being unable to establish an appropriate climb air speed and altitude after she was in a final approach to the William T. Piper Airport, Lock Haven, the National Transportation Safety Board concluded on the July 4, 2024 morning crash.

Bitler’s premature turn to the cross-wind leg of the traffic pattern at low air speed and altitude was the probable cause of the accident. She departed from Williamsport Regional Airport at 9:51 a.m. and flew to Lock Haven.

A witness said he thought the plane would not clear the trees as the engine was definitely running but the airplane was struggling.

The plane struck the top of a tree about 10:10 a.m. at near stall speed, hit a second tree, and came to rest at its base bursting into flames on Allegheny Street. That is across the West Branch

of the Susquehanna River from the Piper Airport.

The flight instructor of the Quarter to Two Flying Club, was unaware the recent Hughesville High School graduate was going to fly the Cessna 172N airplane that day. Student pilots will not operate aircraft without specific permission from their instructor, rules state. He was not aware that she was

planning to fly the day of the accident and he did not receive any communication from her regarding the flight.

Bitler’s initial solo flight occurred on June 16, 2024, after 21.7 hours of dual instruction. At that time, she logged 0.5 hours of solo flight. The accident flight was her second solo flight, and her pilot logbook included an endorsement from her flight instructor to perform takeoffs and landings at Lock Haven.

The student pilot’s flight instructor reported that she was attentive, knowledgeable, and had become an “outstanding” student. He said that her progress during ground and flight training was exceptional. He stated that they had discussed the need to coordinate before flying many times previously.