Casualties unknown

1991-06-11: Cessna 172M (N12498) — Raleigh East Airport — Knighdale, NC

Knighdale, NC, US

On June 11, 1991, a Cessna 172M (registration N12498) operated by Raleigh East Airport was involved in an aviation accident near Knighdale, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCH DOWN POINT ON THE RUNWAY AND/OR PERFORM A GO-AROUND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a night landing attempt, a pilot inadvertently accelerated on short final, causing the airplane to balloon above the runway. It landed long, overran, and struck two cars and a parked plane before hitting a ditch.

Accident Overview

A pilot performed a go-around and initiated a second approach to land at night. On short final, the pilot inadvertently accelerated the airplane, causing it to balloon above the runway. The airplane then landed long and overran the runway. After the overrun, it collided with two automobiles and a parked airplane, then struck a ditch.

Sequence of Events

The accident occurred during a night landing attempt following an earlier go-around. Approaching the runway, the pilot unintentionally increased speed, leading the airplane to climb in a ballooning motion. The subsequent landing was beyond the intended touchdown point, and the airplane could not stop within the runway length. Exiting the runway surface, the airplane struck two automobiles and a parked aircraft before coming to rest after hitting a ditch.

Pilot Comments

The pilot stated that the accident would have been avoided if he had performed a go-around instead of trying to salvage the landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17168. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.