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NTSB Report

March 14, 2004 · Cessna 172L · N7872G

Turner, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 14, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Turner, ME
Aircraft
Cessna 172L
Tail Number
N7872G
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC04LA087

The student pilot reported that he was attempting to land on runway 30, a 2,104-foot long, 50-foot wide, asphalt runway. His first approach was high, and resulted in a go-around. On the second approach, the airplane touched down further down the runway than he had planned. The airplane bounced and the student pilot initiated an aborted landing. The airplane began to climb normally; however, it struck the tops of trees, which were located beyond the departure end of the runway. A witness who observed the airplane stated that after the airplane bounced back in the air, the pilot lowered the nose and appeared to be attempting to land again. The airplane disappeared from his view and was followed by the sound of increasing engine power. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. Winds reported at an airport located about 9 miles south of the accident site, about the time of the accident, were from 150 degrees at 9 knots, with 15 knot gusts.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's misjudgment of speed/distance and the delayed aborted landing. A factor in this accident was the tail wind condition.

Full Narrative

On March 14, 2004, about 1605 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172L, N7872G, was substantially damaged when it struck trees during an aborted landing at the Twitchell Airport (3B5), Turner, Maine. The certificated student pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the solo instructional flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The student pilot reported that he was attempting to land on runway 30, a 2,104-foot long, 50-foot wide, asphalt runway. His first approach was high, and resulted in a go-around. On the second approach, the airplane was "a little high," and touched down further down the runway then he had planned. The airplane bounced and the student pilot initiated an aborted landing. He placed the carburetor heat in, added full power, and retracted the flaps to 20 degrees. The airplane began to climb normally; however, it struck the tops of trees, which were located beyond the departure end of the runway. The airplane flipped over and impacted the ground. A witness observed the airplane on final approach. He stated that the airplane looked high, and the airplane's nose was pointed toward the runway, like "[the pilot] was trying to force it down." The airplane's nose wheel contacted the runway, and the airplane bounced back in the air. After bouncing up, the pilot lowered the nose and appeared to be attempting to land again. The airplane disappeared from his view and was followed by the sound of increasing engine power. He stated that engine sounded like it was at full power. Shortly thereafter, he observed the airplane strike trees. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. The student pilot reported 134 hours of total flight experience, which included 54 hours of solo flight experience. Winds reported at an airport located about 9 miles south of 3B5, at 1555, were from 150 degrees at 9 knots, with 15 knot gusts.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:05 EST
Nearest AirportTwitchell Airport (0nm WNW)
Runway30
Runway Length2104 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172L
Tail NumberN7872G
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 9 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C / 9 C
Altimeter30.25 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data