Casualties unknown

Pilot Aborts Landing After Bounce; Aircraft Exits Runway into Trees (N738UW)

Manville, NJ, US

On December 27, 1996, a Cessna 172N (registration N738UW) operated by Tristate Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Manville, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to perform a go-around, and his failure to retract the flaps in increments. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot aborting a landing after two bounces added power and raised flaps, but the aircraft mushed into bushes and trees north of the runway. The approach had been high and fast, and the pilot cited sun glare and an old windscreen.

Flight and Approach

The pilot had completed a local flight and entered the traffic pattern for runway 25, which had a length of 3,450 feet. During the approach, the pilot reported keeping track of the airplane ahead due to sun glare from a setting sun and a very old windscreen. According to the pilot, these conditions 'almost totally wiped out the runway environment.' The pilot characterized the approach as high and fast.

Landing Attempt and Abort

The airplane touched down just beyond the windsock, then bounced twice. The pilot decided to abort the landing and added full power. The pilot raised the flaps in 10-degree increments. Subsequently, the airplane proceeded to 'mush into the bushes and trees' prior to the end of the runway on the north side.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the flaps were in the up position and the carburetor switch was in the 'on' position.

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Dec 1996 Cessna 172N accident near Manville, NJ?

A pilot aborting a landing after two bounces added power and raised flaps, but the aircraft mushed into bushes and trees north of the runway. The approach had been high and fast, and the pilot cited sun glare and an old windscreen.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Dec 1996 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N738UW, operated by Tristate Airways, at Manville, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to perform a go-around, and his failure to retract the flaps in increments.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07179. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.