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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 22, 2002 · Cessna 172N · N5408E

Lynchburg, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 22, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Lynchburg, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N5408E
Operator
Timothy Olin Niles
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC02LA121

The pilot flew an approach to runway 28, a 2,900 foot-long asphalt runway. The pilot set the flaps to 40 degrees, and prior to touching down, he noticed a "severe incline" in the runway. A go-around was initiated and then aborted when the pilot decided there was enough runway on which to land. After touchdown, a gust of wind hit the right wing. The pilot was unable to keep the airplane on the runway, and it veered off the left side. The airplane impacted trees, and came to rest on a grassy area. The airplane was loaded with "about" 4 boxes, each filled with books. The pilot did not remember the exact amount of boxes in the airplane, or the weights of these boxes, but he added that there were a "couple" of boxes on the rear seat, and a "couple" in the rear cargo compartment. Examination of the airplane found the elevator trim in the full nose down position, and the flaps set to 20 degrees. Weather about the time of the accident included winds from 090 degrees at 8 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, a factor was the tailwind.

Full Narrative

On June 22, 2002, about 1210 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N5408E, was substantially damaged while landing at the Falwell Airport (W24), Lynchburg, Virginia. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed the Carroll County Regional/Jack B. Poage Field (DMW), Westminster, Maryland. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, the flight from Caroll County Airport was "uneventful." The pilot intended to land on runway 28, a 2,900-foot long, 50-foot wide asphalt surface. The pilot stated that on approach to W24, he "came in at a slow speed, and had the flaps set at 40 degrees." Prior to touching down, he noticed a "severe incline" in the runway, and decided to perform a go-around. The pilot then aborted the go-around when he realized he had enough runway on which to land. After touch down, a gust of wind hit the right wing. The pilot was unable to keep the airplane on the runway, and it veered off the left side. The airplane impacted trees, and came to rest on a grassy area. In addition, the pilot stated that he loaded the airplane with "about" 4 boxes, each filled with books being delivered to a friend. He could not remember the exact amount of boxes in the airplane, or the weights of these boxes, but he added that there were a "couple" of boxes on the rear seat, and a "couple" in the rear cargo compartment. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the elevator trim was found in the full nose down position, and the flaps were set at 20 degrees. The pilot did not report any malfunctions of the airplane, and his reported total flight time was 67 hours, with 13 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane. The runway was reported to be in good condition, and uncontaminated. A weather observation, recorded at an airport about 5 miles North-East of W24, included winds from 090 degrees at 8 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:10 EDT
Nearest AirportFalwell Airport (0nm W)
Runway28
Runway Length2900 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN5408E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTimothy Olin Niles
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 37 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.40 inHg
Observation Time15:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data