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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

July 28, 2005 · Cessna 172P · N98730

Caldwell, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 28, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Caldwell, NJ
Aircraft
Cessna 172P
Tail Number
N98730
Operator
Mac Dan Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC05LA125

The student pilot was "too high" and "too fast" during final approach to the runway, and initiated a go-around. As he applied full power, he noticed that the noise of the engine did not seem to accelerate, and the engine rpm began to decrease. He then prepared for a forced landing to the grass beyond the departure end of the runway. During the landing, the airplane "hit hard" on the right main landing gear. Examination of the engine revealed no mechanical deficiencies, and the student pilot reported 45 hours of total flight experience, all of which were in the accident airplane make and model.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. A factor was a partial loss of engine power, as reported by the pilot, for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On July 28, 2005, at 1620 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172P, N98730, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at the Essex County Airport (CDW), Caldwell, New Jersey. The certificated student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed, for the local solo instructional flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the student pilot, he was "too high" and "too fast" during final approach to the runway, and he initiated a go-around near the second intersecting taxiway. As he applied full power, he noticed that the noise of the engine did not seem to accelerate, and the engine rpm began to decrease. The pilot then prepared for a forced landing to the grass beyond the departure end of the runway. During the landing, the airplane "hit hard" on the right main landing gear. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane after the accident. According to the inspector, substantial damage was observed to the firewall of the airplane, and both propeller blades displayed S-bending and chordwise scratching. Manual rotation of the engine revealed "good" compression at all the cylinders. A check of the engine timing revealed no anomalies, and the magnetos were examined and produced spark at all leads. The spark plugs, ignition system, and fuel lines were examined and no deficiencies were noted. A sample of fuel taken from the carburetor bowl was free of contamination, and a functional test of the accelerator pump, revealed no mechanical anomalies. The airplane was "topped off" with fuel prior to the accident flight, and the total duration of the accident flight was approximately 0.2 hours. Additionally, the flaps were observed in the retracted position. The student pilot reported 45 hours of total flight experience, all of which were in the accident airplane make and model.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:20 EDT
Nearest AirportEssex County Airport (0nm)
Runway22
Runway Length4553 ft
Runway Width80 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172P
Tail NumberN98730
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMac Dan Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 18 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data