On February 17, 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.
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
Related events
Same aircraft family
24 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172B
23 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
18 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
16 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172M (CK Aviation LLC)
9 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
8 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172N
7 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Tin Cup Investments INC)
24 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172M
21 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172P (Vascular Wings LLC)
18 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Ocala Aviation Services INC)
16 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Foothill Aircraft Sales and Service Inc.)
9 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Kimber 123 Holdings LLC)
What happened in the 17 Feb 2014 CESSNA 172S accident near Caldwell, NJ?
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.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 Feb 2014 CESSNA 172S accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Feb 2014 involved a CESSNA 172S, operated by Century Air, at Caldwell, NJ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing.
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