Casualties unknown

1999-07-12: Cessna 172M (N42246) — Hamburg, NY

Hamburg, NY, US

On July 12, 1999, a Cessna 172M (registration N42246) was involved in an aviation accident near Hamburg, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. A related factor was the lack of experience in make and model. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

During landing, a pilot inadvertently extended minimal flaps, leading to a fast landing and porpoising. A sudden wind change prevented stopping; the aircraft ran off the runway and fell into a ravine, where fire destroyed it.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducting takeoffs and landings reported an accident during the first approach. The pilot stated that he inadvertently extended only minimal flaps, resulting in a faster-than-normal landing. A sudden wind change compounded the situation, and he was unable to stop the aircraft. The airplane porpoised three times, ran off the end of the runway, and fell down a ravine bordering the airport to the south. A fire subsequently destroyed the aircraft.

Pilot Experience

The pilot held a total flight time of 104 hours, with 30 hours as pilot-in-command. He had logged 7 hours in the accident make and model.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot's report, the mishap occurred during the landing phase. The minimal flap extension led to a higher approach speed. After touchdown, the aircraft porpoised—oscillating nose-up and nose-down—three times before departing the runway end. The sudden wind change was noted as an exacerbating factor. The ravine at the southern boundary of the airport received the aircraft after it left the runway surface.

Damage

The aircraft was destroyed by fire following the crash.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19343. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.