BLUE BELL, PA, USA
N5135R
Cessna 172M
The pilot reported that the airplane touched down long, and subsequently ran off the departure end of the runway, onto an access road, and the nosegear collapsed. He said he briefly considered a go-around, and told his passenger that he was not going to be able to stop in time. He said there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane.
On January 4, 1998, at 1355 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172M, N5135R, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during an overrun at Wings Field Airport, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated at Gaithersburg, Maryland, at 1245. According to the pilot, the flight to Pennsylvania, was uneventful. He said, "...immediately after crossing the numbers[24], I descended to approximately 30 feet AGL and positioned the nose in a level attitude; airspeed approximately 70-75MPH. The airplane floated in a slightly nose high attitude. I touched down, and immediately applied brakes. I identified the end of the runway, briefly considered a go-around, then locked the brakes. I indicated to my passenger that it was going to be close. Next, I indicated we were not going to be able to stop in time... ." The airplane continued off the departure end of the runway, onto an access road, and the nosegear collapsed. The runway was 2,625 feet long, and the pilot reported that the wind was variable. He had over 75 hours in make and model, and reported that there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane.
The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and his failure to make a go-around, while there was sufficient runway remaining.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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