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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

June 1, 1998 · Cessna 140 · N72657

Madison, CT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 1, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Madison, CT
Aircraft
Cessna 140
Tail Number
N72657
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC98LA120

The airplane was on approach to the 1,863 foot long, asphalt runway. The pilot stated, 'Just before the final flare a hornet distracted me to the extent I lost concentration to the task of landing. I touched down 'long.' Seeing only a short area in which to stop, I applied full power to go around, but there was not enough room before the reeds in the swampy area.' The airplane struck the reeds and nosed over. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions of the airframe or engine. Wind reported at airports about 15 miles west, and 23 miles east of the accident site at 1345, were from 330 degrees at 15 knots, with 20 knot gusts, and from 350 degrees at 10 knots, respectively.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper in-flight decision to continue the landing and his delayed go-around attempt. A factor in this accident was the pilot's diverted attention.

Full Narrative

On June 1, 1998, about 1415 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 140, N72657, was substantially damaged during landing at the Griswold Airport (N04), Madison, Connecticut. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight that departed Skylark Airpark Airport, Warehouse, Connecticut, about 1330, destined for N04. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane was on approach to runway 06, a 1,863 foot long, asphalt runway. In a written statement, the pilot said: " Just before final flare for landing a hornet distracted me to the extent I lost concentration to the task of landing. I touched down 'long.' Seeing only a short area in which to stop, I applied full power to go around, but there was not enough room before the reeds in the swampy area...I was carrying a little extra speed on final because the wind was switching about 90 degrees from time to time...." The airplane struck the reeds, and nosed over. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector did not reveal evidence of a pre-impact malfunction of the airframe or engine. Wind reported at airports about 15 miles west, and 23 miles east of the accident site at 1345, were from 330 degrees at 15 knots, with 20 knot gusts, and from 350 degrees at 10 knots, respectively.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 EDT
Nearest AirportGRISWOLD (0nm)
Runway6
Runway Length1863 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 140
Tail NumberN72657
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C85 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 15 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data