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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

April 11, 1987 · Cessna 172N · N5535E

Ferguson Twnshp, PA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 11, 1987
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Location
Ferguson Twnshp, PA
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N5535E
Operator
Nittany Aero Club
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC87FA119

THE PILOT, WHO HAD NOT COMPLETED HIS CHECKOUT IN A CESSNA 172, WAS OBSERVED TO MAKE A LONG LANDING AND LIFT OFF WITH APPROXIMATELY 750 FT OF RUNWAY REMAINING. THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED TO ENTER A NOSE HIGH PITCH ATTITUDE AND DRIFT INTO A RIGHT TURN. THE AIRPORT HAS LEFT TRAFFIC FOR THE RUNWAY BEING USED. THE AIRCRAFT CONTINUED ITS RIGHT TURN IN A NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE AND THEN WAS OBSERVED TO ROLL VERY SHARPLY TO THE LEFT. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. WINDS WERE FROM 180 DEGREES AT 10 GUSTING TO 13 KNOTS.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT, WHO HAD NOT COMPLETED HIS CHECKOUT IN A CESSNA 172, WAS OBSERVED TO MAKE A LONG LANDING AND LIFT OFF WITH APPROXIMATELY 750 FT OF RUNWAY REMAINING. THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED TO ENTER A NOSE HIGH PITCH ATTITUDE AND DRIFT INTO A RIGHT TURN. THE AIRPORT HAS LEFT TRAFFIC FOR THE RUNWAY BEING USED. THE AIRCRAFT CONTINUED ITS RIGHT TURN IN A NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE AND THEN WAS OBSERVED TO ROLL VERY SHARPLY TO THE LEFT. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. WINDS WERE FROM 180 DEGREES AT 10 GUSTING TO 13 KNOTS.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:56 EDT
Nearest AirportState College (0nm N)
Runway4
Runway Length4065 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN5535E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorNittany Aero Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Fatal4
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 22 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 10 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 30 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data