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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 23, 1995 · Cessna 182E · N3168Y

Frederick, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 23, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Frederick, PA
Aircraft
Cessna 182E
Tail Number
N3168Y
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC95LA121

THE STUDENT PILOT DEPARTED IN HIS OWN AIRPLANE TO FLY TO HIS FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR'S AIRSTRIP. HE ESTIMATED THAT THE WINDS WERE FROM THE SOUTHWEST AT THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT. UPON ARRIVAL AT HIS DESTINATION, HE ATTEMPTED A LANDING ON RUNWAY 31, A 1400 FOOT GRASS STRIP. THE STUDENT DECIDED THAT HIS APPROACH WAS FAST AND PERFORMED A G0-AROUND. THE STUDENT STATED THAT DURING A SECOND ATTEMPT, HE WAS STILL FAST ON FINAL, BUT ELECTED TO LAND, AND TOUCHED DOWN ABOUT MID-FIELD. THE AIRPLANE 'SKIDDED' TOWARDS THE END OF THE RUNWAY INTO A DRAINAGE DITCH AND NOSED OVER. THE STUDENT ESTIMATED THAT THE WINDS WERE FROM THE SOUTHEAST AT 15 KNOTS, GUSTING TO 20 KNOTS. THE STUDENT STATED THAT HE SHOULD HAVE DONE A GO-AROUND.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate inflight planning by failing to verify the wind direction for landing. Also causal is the pilot's failure to obtain the proper touch down point and to do a go-around.

Full Narrative

On May 23, 1995, at 1930 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182E, N3168Y, was substantially damaged during landing at the Drewniany-Springmeadow Airport (PA85), Frederick, Pennsylvania. The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at Allentown, Pennsylvania, at 1900. No flight plan had been filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the student pilot/owner of the airplane stated that when he departed the Allentown Queen City Airport, he estimated the winds were from the southwest. His route of flight was direct to PA85, a private 1,400 foot grass strip, where his flight instructor was located. He further stated: ...[I] attempted to land on runway 31 and was coming in fast, so I proceeded with a go-around. Attempted a second landing. Landing was made, although I was still approaching fast. Rather than elect to do a go-around, I proceeded with the landing. I skidded towards the end of the runway, hit a drainage ditch, and flipped aircraft over. After reviewing the conditions, I had landed downwind...I touched down approximately mid-field and I should have done a go-around. In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot estimated that the winds were from the southeast at 15 knots, gusting to 20.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 EDT
Nearest AirportSpring Meadow (0nm)
Runway31
Runway Length1400 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182E
Tail NumberN3168Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-R · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 15 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data