Casualties unknown

2002-02-08: Cessna 525A (N288G) — Novato, CA

Novato, CA, US

On February 8, 2002, a Cessna 525A (registration N288G) was involved in an aviation accident near Novato, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to achieve the proper touchdown point and his failure to retract the flaps and spoilers during an attempted landing abort, which resulted in a landing overrun. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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

An airplane overran the runway and impacted a ravine after landing. The pilot, who was higher and faster than normal, touched down one-third down the runway and aborted the landing but forgot to retract flaps and spoilers.

Background

Prior to a cross-country flight, the pilot obtained a weather brief from the Flight Service Station and was uncertain about his ability to land at the destination airport due to weather conditions. While en route, he monitored Air Traffic Control transmissions and heard that another airplane had broken out of the weather at 1,200 feet and landed at the destination airport.

Approach and Landing

The pilot was cleared for the GPS approach. He noted that he was higher and faster than normal and activated the speed brakes to help slow the descent. The airplane touched down about one-third of the way down the runway. After touchdown, the pilot activated the ground flaps, spoilers, and brakes.

Aborted Landing and Runway Overrun

When the airplane did not decelerate as expected, the pilot elected to abort the landing. He added power but forgot to retract the flaps and spoilers. The airplane continued off the departure end of the runway and came to rest in a ravine.

Environmental and Performance Factors

Reported winds prior to landing were from 230 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots. Immediately after the accident, winds were reported from 290 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 27 knots. The runway length was 3,300 feet. According to the manufacturer, with a tailwind condition, the airplane required approximately 3,400 feet to make a normal landing.

Mechanical Status

The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions noted with the airplane.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020214X00222. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.