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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

January 4, 1998 · Cessna 172M · N5135R

Blue Bell, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 4, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Blue Bell, PA
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N5135R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD98LA020

The pilot reported that the airplane touched down long, and subsequently ran off the departure end of the runway, onto an access road, and the nosegear collapsed. He said he briefly considered a go-around, and told his passenger that he was not going to be able to stop in time. He said there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and his failure to make a go-around, while there was sufficient runway remaining.

Full Narrative

On January 4, 1998, at 1355 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172M, N5135R, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during an overrun at Wings Field Airport, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated at Gaithersburg, Maryland, at 1245. According to the pilot, the flight to Pennsylvania, was uneventful. He said, "...immediately after crossing the numbers[24], I descended to approximately 30 feet AGL and positioned the nose in a level attitude; airspeed approximately 70-75MPH. The airplane floated in a slightly nose high attitude. I touched down, and immediately applied brakes. I identified the end of the runway, briefly considered a go-around, then locked the brakes. I indicated to my passenger that it was going to be close. Next, I indicated we were not going to be able to stop in time... ." The airplane continued off the departure end of the runway, onto an access road, and the nosegear collapsed. The runway was 2,625 feet long, and the pilot reported that the wind was variable. He had over 75 hours in make and model, and reported that there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:55 EST
Nearest AirportWings Field (0nm)
Runway24
Runway Length2625 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN5135R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 26 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data