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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

May 13, 2003 · Cessna 172H · N1748F

Somerville, TN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 13, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Somerville, TN
Aircraft
Cessna 172H
Tail Number
N1748F
Operator
Douglas
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL03LA092

While on approach to land on runway 01, the airplane propeller caught a berm and undershot the runway 10 feet of the paved surface. Since repairs were underway from the edge of the runway-paved surface, several feet of dirt had been removed on the approach end of the runway. The pilot reported that the nose wheel collapsed and the airplane skidded in and stopped about 50 feet down the runway. Examination of the airplane showed a buckled fuselage, nose gear damage, firewall and propeller damage. No mechanical problems were revealed during the post-accident examination of the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's misjudged approach airspeed and distance which resulted in an undershoot of the runway and collision with terrain.

Full Narrative

On May 13, 2003, at 1035 central daylight time, a Cessna 172, N1748F, registered to and operated by Douglass Co LLC, collided with the ground short of the runway surface while attempting a landing at the Fayette County Airport, in Somerville, Tennessee. The personal flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot was not injured. The flight departed Somerville, Tennessee at 1020, on May 13, 2003. According to the pilot, while on approach to land on runway 01, the airplane touched down 10 feet short of the paved runway and the propeller struck a berm. Since repairs were underway from the edge of the runway-paved surface, several feet of dirt had been removed on the approach end of the runway. The pilot reported that the nose wheel collapsed and the plane skidded in and stopped about 50 feet down the runway. Examination of the airplane showed a buckled fuselage, nose gear damage, firewall and propeller damage. No mechanical problems were revealed during the post-accident examination of the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:35 CDT
Nearest AirportFayette County (0nm N)
Runway01
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172H
Tail NumberN1748F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDouglas
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 78 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 54
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time16:58
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data