No fatalities

17 Feb 2014: CESSNA 172S — Century Air — Caldwell, NJ

Caldwell, NJ, United States

On 17 Feb 2014, a CESSNA 172S operated by Century Air was involved in an aviation accident near Caldwell, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempting night currency landings bounced three times, veered left, and struck a snowbank, causing the airplane to nose over and sustain substantial damage.

Accident Sequence

During a night flight intended to satisfy currency requirements with three full-stop landings, the pilot experienced difficulties on the first landing attempt. The airplane bounced three times after touchdown and subsequently veered to the left. In an effort to correct the deviation, the pilot applied right rudder and right aileron. However, the nose landing gear contacted a snowbank located off the left side of the runway. The impact caused the airplane to nosed over and come to rest inverted.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that no preimpact mechanical malfunctions were present with the airplane. Weather conditions around the time of the accident were described as calm wind.

Aircraft Damage

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the right wing and the vertical stabilizer.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome