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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

February 1, 1998 · Cessna 172K · N78222

Oxford, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 1, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Oxford, MA
Aircraft
Cessna 172K
Tail Number
N78222
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD98LA025

The pilot said that he applied back pressure to the yoke to reduce a nose wheel vibration during landing and the airplane began 'hopping.' The pilot also attempted to retract the flaps during the landing sequence in an effort to increase braking ability. During that time, the airplane drifted to the right, struck a snowbank, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. According to the pilot, 'The airplane drifted right and struck the snowbank, probably because I was reaching for the flaps.' The pilot had 100 hours of flight experience, 20 hours of which were in make and model.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control.

Full Narrative

On February 1, 1998, at 1000 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172K, N78222, was substantially damaged after a loss of control during landing at the Oxford Airport (43M), Oxford, Massachusetts. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight that originated at 43M, at 0950. No flight plan had been filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot said he departed runway 02, completed a traffic pattern, and returned to land. He said the airplane touched down in the first one-third of the runway. The airplane then began to vibrate as soon as the nose wheel touched down. He attempted to reduce the vibration by applying back pressure to the yoke. He said that after applying back pressure, "...the airplane started hopping on me." The pilot said the airplane bounced twice after the initial touchdown. The pilot also attempted to retract the flaps during the landing sequence in an effort to increase braking ability. During that time, the airplane drifted to the right, struck a snowbank, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. According to the pilot, "The airplane drifted right and struck the snowbank, probably because I was reaching for the flaps." The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. When questioned about the performance of the airplane, the pilot said, "The aircraft was fine." He said he completed a preflight using the checklist prior to departure and did not notice anything unusual. According to a report from a Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector, "The nose wheel had very little air in it. However, it tested OK [at] 25 lbs. PSI." The pilot stated that when weather permitted, he flew on a weekly basis. He last flew 2 weeks prior to the accident flight and had accumulated approximately 100 hours of total flight experience.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 EST
Nearest AirportOxford Airport (0nm)
Runway2
Runway Length2047 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172K
Tail NumberN78222
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 16 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data