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NTSB Report

September 16, 2017 · Cessna 172 N · N5396D

Lynchburg, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 16, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Lynchburg, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 172 N (1979)
Tail Number
N5396D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA540

The pilot reported that, during landing, the airplane approached with "extra speed" and ballooned in the landing flare. He added that, "instantly my training took over" and he applied power to go-around, but then also remembered he could not go around when landing in this direction, at this airport, due to terrain and obstacles. He further added that he then reduced power to idle and "stalled the airplane to the ground" and impacted the remining runway hard. Subsequently, he taxied the airplane to the ramp without further incident. The ailerons, wings, and firewall sustained substantial damage. During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that he had flown into this airport numerous times prior to the accident and knew that, "once you get to the powerlines you are committed to landing." The power lines were located about ¼ nautical miles from the runway threshold. The pilot did not report that there were any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration Chart Supplement for the airport stated in part: "Land Rwy [runway] 28 (west) tkf [takeoff] Rwy [runway] 10 (east)." The pilot reported that the landing was on runway 28.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Incorrect use/operation - C

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during landing the airplane approached with "extra speed" and ballooned in the landing flare. He added that, "instantly my training took over" and he applied power to go-around, but then also remembered you "cannot go around" when landing in this direction, at this airport, due to terrain and obstacles. He further added that, he then reduced power to idle and "stalled the airplane to the ground" and impacted the remining runway hard. Subsequently, he taxied the airplane to the ramp without further incident. The ailerons, wings, and firewall sustained substantial damage. During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that he had flown into this airport numerous times prior to the accident and knew that, "once you get to the powerlines you are committed to landing." The power lines were located about one 1/4 nautical miles from the runway threshold. The pilot did not report that there were any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration Chart Supplement for the airport stated in part: "Land Rwy [runway] 28 (west) tkf [takeoff] Rwy [runway] 10 (east). The pilot reported that the landing was on runway 28.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:00 EDT
Nearest AirportFALWELL (0nm N)
Runway28
Runway Length2932 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 N
Tail NumberN5396D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 24 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind350° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 9000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time23:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data