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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

December 27, 1996 · Cessna 172N · N738UW

Manville, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 27, 1996
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Manville, NJ
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N738UW
Operator
Tristate Airways
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD97LA036

After a local flight, the pilot entered the traffic pattern for runway 25, which was 3,450 feet in length. The pilot reported that he kept track of the airplane in front due to the sun glare from a setting sun and a very old windscreen, which 'almost totally wiped out the runway environment.' The pilot stated that the approach to the runway was high and fast. After touchdown just beyond the windsock, the airplane bounced twice and the pilot decided to abort the landing. The pilot stated that he added full power, raised the flaps in 10 degree increments, and the airplane proceeded to 'mush into the bushes and trees' prior to the end of the runway on the north side. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the flaps were up, and the carburetor switch in the 'on' position.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to perform a go-around, and his failure to retract the flaps in increments.

Full Narrative

On December 27, 1996, approximately 1545 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172N, N738UW, was substantially damaged during a collision with trees after an aborted landing at the Kupper Airport, Manville, New Jersey. The certificated private pilot and the passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot and passenger took off for a local flight, and upon his return to the airport, the pilot stated that he entered the airport traffic pattern for runway 25. The pilot recalled that there was one airplane in front and one following him in the traffic pattern. He reported that "he kept track of the airplane in front of him because the sun set almost totally wiped out the runway environment." The pilot also stated that the glare from the (old) windscreen was also very bad. The pilot stated that his approach to the runway was "a little too high and with a little too much airspeed." After the airplane touched down it bounced twice, and the pilot decided to abort his landing. The pilot stated that he added full power, raised the flaps in 10 degree increments, and the airplane proceeded to "mush into the bushes and trees on the north side of the runway." A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector examined the wreckage the following day. The airplane was in an upright position, two thirds of the way down the 3,450 foot runway, and approximately 180 feet to the right of centerline The Inspector was able to confirmed flight control continuity; flaps in the "up" position, and the carburetor heat switch in the "on" position. The Inspector interviewed the pilot, who reported that he did not experience any mechanical problems with the airplane or engine.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 EST
Nearest AirportCenral New Jersey Region (0nm)
Runway25
Runway Length3450 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN738UW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTristate Airways
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C / 14 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data