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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

January 15, 2016 · Cessna 180 K · N64251

Sussex, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 15, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Sussex, NJ
Aircraft
Cessna 180 K (1977)
Tail Number
N64251
Operator
Network Spares
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA108

The flight instructor reported that during the landing touchdown at night with the student pilot at the flight controls, he "felt the airplane hop a little and immediately felt the left wing drop." He reported that the airplane, "shifted to the right, the nose lifted, and as the airplane settled the airplane nosed over." The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, the right wing lift strut, the vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The flight instructor did not report any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. As a safety recommendation, the flight instructor reported that, "I believe the accident could have been prevented if I personally executed the landing and not assisted my student in the landing." Additionally, he reported that, "I believe the length of the day and emotional fatigue played a big factor" with the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing, which resulted in abnormal runway contact, a ground loop, and a nose over.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that during the landing touchdown at night with the student pilot at the flight controls, he "felt the airplane hop a little and immediately felt the left wing drop." He reported that the airplane, "shifted to the right, the nose lifted, and as the airplane settled the airplane nosed over." The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, the right wing lift strut, the vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The flight instructor did not report any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. As a safety recommendation, the flight instructor reported that, "I believe the accident could have been prevented if I personally executed the landing and not assisted my student in the landing." Additionally, he reported that, "I believe the length of the day and emotional fatigue played a big factor" with the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:45 EST
Nearest AirportSUSSEX (0nm N)
Runway03
Runway Length3499 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 180 K
Tail NumberN64251
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNetwork Spares
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D · Reciprocating · 285
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 41 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 47 · Third Class · None
Crew 3None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point28 C / 21 C
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time01:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data