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NTSB Report

November 14, 2010 · Cessna 172N · N249ER

Gaithersburg, MD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 14, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Gaithersburg, MD
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N249ER
Operator
Wifa Washington International Flight Academy
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA11CA061

According to the student pilot, he completed a stabilized approach to the runway, with the airspeed 5 knots higher than the prescribed approach speed due to the 8 knot headwind condition. During the landing flare, the airplane encountered a gust of wind, and bounced on the runway. He said he added power to slow the descent, but the airplane ballooned again with some drift to the left. He decided to execute a go around, and as he applied full power without adding rudder, the airplane veered to the left and departed the left side of the runway. He then reduced the power in an attempt to regain directional control of the airplane, but it continued forward until the nose gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest in a grassy area to the left of the runway. During the accident sequence, the airplane incurred substantial damage to the firewall and left wing. The student pilot reported there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The wind reported at the airport about the time of the accident was from 150 degrees at 8 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

According to the student pilot, he completed a "stabilized" approach to runway 14, with the airspeed 5 knots higher than the prescribed approach speed due to the wind conditions. During the landing flare, the pilot "felt wind shear that caused the touchdown,and the airplane ballooned back into the air to about 20 feet." The student pilot then added power to slow the descent, and the airplane "ballooned again with some drift to the left." The student pilot then decided to go around, and as he "applied full power without adding rudder," the airplane veered to the left and departed the left side of the runway. The student pilot then reduced power in an attempt to regain directional control of the airplane, but it continued forward until the nose landing gear collapsed and it came to rest in a grassy area to the left of the runway. During the accident sequence, the airplane incurred substantial damage to the firewall and left wing. The student pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The winds reported at the airport about the time of the accident were from 150 degrees at 8 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 EST
Nearest AirportMontgomery County Airpark (0nm)
Runway14
Runway Length4200 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN249ER
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWifa Washington International Flight Academy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 34 C
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time20:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data