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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 16, 1989 · Cessna R172E · N48257

Birmingham, AL

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 16, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Birmingham, AL
Aircraft
Cessna R172E
Tail Number
N48257
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL89LA170

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHEN SHE WAS ESTABLISHED ON FINAL APPROACH TO LAND, THE TOWER TOLD HER TO MAINTAIN HER SPEED BECAUSE OF TWO FIGHTERS BEHIND HER. SHE COMPLIED. SHE PLANNED TO LAND LONG AND TURN ONTO THE NEAREST TAXIWAY TO THE FBO. WHEN SHE WAS OVER THE RUNWAY AND WAS SLOWING TO LAND, THE CONTROLLER INSTRUCTED HER TO EXPEDITE THE LANDING. SUBSEQUENTLY, WHILE SHE WAS ATTEMPTING TO COMPLY, THE AIRCRAFT LANDED HARD, WHICH BUCKLED THE FIRE WALL. THE PILOT (OF N48257) DID NOT INFORM THE TOWER CONTROLLER THAT SHE HAD PLANNED TO LAND LONG.

NTSB Probable Cause

IMPROPER FLARE BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN A HARD LANDING. THE FACT THAT THE PILOT WAS ASKED TWICE TO EXPEDITE THE LANDING CREATED PRESSURE ON THE PILOT AND WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A FACTOR.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHEN SHE WAS ESTABLISHED ON FINAL APPROACH TO LAND, THE TOWER TOLD HER TO MAINTAIN HER SPEED BECAUSE OF TWO FIGHTERS BEHIND HER. SHE COMPLIED. SHE PLANNED TO LAND LONG AND TURN ONTO THE NEAREST TAXIWAY TO THE FBO. WHEN SHE WAS OVER THE RUNWAY AND WAS SLOWING TO LAND, THE CONTROLLER INSTRUCTED HER TO EXPEDITE THE LANDING. SUBSEQUENTLY, WHILE SHE WAS ATTEMPTING TO COMPLY, THE AIRCRAFT LANDED HARD, WHICH BUCKLED THE FIRE WALL. THE PILOT (OF N48257) DID NOT INFORM THE TOWER CONTROLLER THAT SHE HAD PLANNED TO LAND LONG.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CDT
Nearest AirportBirmingham Muni (0nm N)
Runway23
Runway Length10000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna R172E
Tail NumberN48257
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:00
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data