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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

August 7, 1998 · Cessna 172P · N116FR

West Milford, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 7, 1998
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
West Milford, NJ
Aircraft
Cessna 172P
Tail Number
N116FR
Operator
Sparta Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC98LA163

During landing on runway 24, the 30-hour student pilot (SP) touched down and the airplane bounced towards the right side of the runway. The SP then initiated a go-around and added right rudder and full right aileron. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and was unable to gain altitude before the airplane struck a metal fence post located about 100 feet to the right of the runway. The SP said, '...for unknown reason the airplane didn't reply to the controls as if something was holding it and prevented its climb...' Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any pre-impact abnormalities of the airframe or engine. It was noted that the flaps were observed in the zero degree position. Winds reported at a nearby airport were from 180 degrees at 6 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.

Full Narrative

On August 6, 1998, about 2005 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172P, N116FR, was substantially damaged during landing at the Greenwood Lake Airport (4N1), West Milford, New Jersey. The certificated flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot (SP) sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local instructional flight which departed the Teterboro Airport, Teterboro, New Jersey. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane was on approach to runway 24, a 4,000 foot long, 60 foot wide asphalt runway. In a written statement, the CFI said: "...At the last minute [the SP] touched down with the right undercarriage and nose slightly to the left. He then added full power and told me he was going around. All of a sudden he added right rudder and full right aileron. I then said 'my plane' and kept saying 'my plane, my plane.' He was completely frozen at the controls and wouldn't let go. I managed to get us off. [The airplane was] heading for the trees and trying to climb out, but we were too low..." The airplane struck a metal fence post which was located about 100 feet to the right of the runway. In a written statement, the SP said the airplane bounced to the right side of the runway during the landing and he initiated a go around. The CFI then took control of the airplane. The SP further stated: "...[The CFI] tried to gain altitude and avoid the high trees, but for unknown reason the airplane didn't reply to the controls as if something was holding it and prevented its climb..." Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector did not reveal any pre-impact abnormalities of the airframe or engine. It was noted that the flaps were observed in the zero degree position. In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Accident Report Form, the CFI reported approximately 2,300 hours of total flight experience, of which 700 hours were in make and model. The SP reported 30 hours of total flight experience, all in make and model. Winds reported at a nearby airport were from 180 degrees at 6 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:05 EDT
Nearest AirportGreenwood Lake (0nm)
Runway24
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172P
Tail NumberN116FR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSparta Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-025 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind180° @ 6 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data