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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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September 1, 2008 · Cessna 172SP · N251SP

South Harpswell, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 1, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
South Harpswell, ME
Aircraft
Cessna 172SP
Tail Number
N251SP
Operator
Ari Meisel
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA08CA179

The pilot stated that prior to landing he believed that he had a quartering head wind between 6 and 8 knots. Once over runway 14 at 10 feet agl, "suddenly the wind shifted and we were lifted up and keeled over to the right. Once I leveled the wings I realized that we were quickly running out of runway." The pilot stated that he attempted a go-around; he put in full power and raised the flaps to 20 degrees. However, he did not have enough power or clearance to stay out of the trees. The pilot banked left to avoid the trees and "dropped" the airplane in a field between houses. The airplane hit the ground and then skidded to a stop into a tree. The reported weather conditions at Brunswick, Maine, at the time of the accident was visual meteorological conditions with winds at 340 degrees at 19 knots gusting to 27 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Sudden wind shift-Ability to respond/compensate - F

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that prior to landing he believed that he had a quartering head wind between 6 and 8 knots. Once over runway 14 at about 10 feet agl., "suddenly the wind shifted and we were lifted up and keeled over to the right. Once I leveled the wings I realized that we were quickly running out of runway." The pilot stated that he attempted a go-around; he put in full power and raised the flaps to 20 degrees. However, he did not have enough power or clearance to stay out of the trees. The pilot banked left to avoid the trees and "dropped" the airplane in a field between houses. The airplane hit the ground and then skidded to a stop into a tree. The reported weather conditions at Brunswick, Maine, at the time of the accident was visual meteorological conditions with winds at 340 degrees at 19 knots gusting to 27 knots. The pilot said he and the two passengers were out of the airplane in 15 seconds. Damage to the airplane consisted of the left wing and empennage. Emergency responders arrived within 5 minutes, but no one was injured. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EDT
Nearest AirportFarr Field (1nm)
Runway14
Runway Length1900 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172SP
Tail NumberN251SP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAri Meisel
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO360-L2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 25 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 19 kt, gusting 27 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time12:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data