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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

May 19, 2003 · Cessna 172 N · N5326J

Center Island, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 19, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Center Island, WA
Aircraft
Cessna 172 N
Tail Number
N5326J
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA03LA084

The pilot observed deer midfield on the runway during final approach to runway 17 and initiated a go around. On his second approach the pilot's focus of attention was on the deer to make sure they weren't moving to the runway center. The deer stayed clear but the distraction put the pilot too far down field to allow a safe go around. Committed to the landing, the pilot applied the brakes immediately on touch down but "grass skid" was a problem. The aircraft went past the end of the runway impacting two small trees resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot did not attain the proper touchdown point during landing. The pilot's diverted attention, deer near the runway, and trees were factors.

Full Narrative

On May 19, 2003, about 1330 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N5326J, sustained substantial damage subsequent to a runway overrun and collision with trees at a private airstrip (78WA) at Center Island, Washington. The airplane is owned by a private party, and was being operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal/pleasure flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The private pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight. The flight originated from San Juan Island (FHR) approximately 10 minutes prior to the accident. In a written statement the pilot reported that while on final approach to runway 17 he observed deer midfield on the runway and initiated a go around. On his second approach the pilot stated that "My focus of attention was on the deer to make sure they weren't moving to the runway center. The deer stayed clear but the distraction had put me too far down field to allow a safe go around. I was commited (sp) to the landing." The pilot further reported that the brakes were immediately applied on touch down but "grass skid" was a problem. The aircraft went past the end of the runway impacting two small trees resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 PDT
Nearest AirportCenter Island (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length1600 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 N
Tail NumberN5326J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 43 C
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data