JEANETTE, PA, USA
N72326
Cessna 337G
The occupants of the airplane reported that the airplane landed on the first 1/3 of a 2,605 foot long runway, and initially they did not feel any deceleration. As the airplane neared the end of the runway, a passenger called for brakes, and brakes were applied. Skid marks were found from the right main wheel for 280 feet, followed by skid marks from both wheels for an additional 525 feet prior to departing the runway. The airplane traveled across 23 feet of grass, momentarily became airborne, and settled into lower terrain. No evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction was found. The headwinds were estimated between 4 and 8 knots. According to the flight manual, the airplane required 1,755 feet to clear a 50 foot obstacle and stop on the runway at maximum landing weight, calm winds, 2,500 feet elevation.
On July 26, 1998, about 1245 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 337G, N72326, was substantially damaged during a landing overrun at the Greensburg Jeannette Regional Airport, Jeannette, Pennsylvania. The certificated commercial pilot and two passengers received serious injuries, while one passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, which originated from Republic Airport, Farmingdale, New York, about 1045. No flight plan had been filed for the flight that was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot stated: "...I detoured to my alternate - 5G8 airport - observed wind sock, wind down Rwy 02 at 5-8 kts, circled to land Rwy 02, tried to raise CTAF many times, no response from them. Landed Rwy 02, could not get aircraft slowed down before end of runway. At end of runway - sudden drop almost straight down (no displaced threshold/overrun...Aircraft hit bottom almost 50 feet below runway end area...." The airplane was examined by inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. According to the FAA Airworthiness Inspector Report: "...Inspection of the aircraft showed no systems problems...Aircraft records were reviewed and no related problems found...." According to the FAA Operations Inspector Report: "...Upon arrival at the accident site, the aircraft...was at rest on the ground, right side-up at the bottom of a hill approximately 50 feet below the departure end of runway 02...." "The three passengers were interviewed and they all stated that the landing appeared normal but as they passed with wind sock beside the runway, they all said that they were not gong to stop. The wind sock is located approximately 600 feet from the end from the departure end of the runway...." In a telephone interview, the FAA Operations Inspector further amplified the interviews and reported that the passengers reported the airplane landed in the first third of the runway, near the numbers. No deceleration was felt as the airplane rolled on the ground. As the airplane approached the departure end of the runway, one of the pilot rated passengers shouted, "brakes." The passengers estimated the speed of the airplane as between 20 and 35 knots as it departed the runway. The FAA Inspectors reported that the skid marks were initially about 3/4 of an inch wide and then after about 100 feet widened out. According to the Penn TWP Police Department Report, a tire mark identified at the right main tire was measured at 280 feet in length, was followed by skid marks which were identified as coming from both main wheels for an additional 525 feet on the runway. The airplane then traveled across 23 feet of grass prior to going over the embankment. A witness reported they heard, "...very loud screeches...." And turned around in time to see the tail of the airplane go over a hill. According to FAA records, runway 02 was 2,605 feet long, 50 feet wide, and had an asphalt surface that was in good condition. In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the winds were from 020 degrees at 5-8 knots. The FAA Inspectors reported that witnesses had estimated the wind to be from 360 degrees at 4 knots, and the runway was dry. According to a copy of the pilot's logbook, supplied by the FAA, the pilot had logged 5.5 hours in the preceding 90 days, including 3.4 hours in make and model. The pilot's last flight in the Cessna 337G prior to the accident was May 24, 1998. According to the Cessna 337G Owner's handbook, the airplane would required 1,755 feet of runway to clear a 50 foot obstacle, touchdown, and stop on a runway under conditions of:, weight 4,400 pounds, temperature 50 degrees Fahrenheit, 2,500 feet altitude, calm winds, maximum breaking. The ground roll was listed as 745 feet.
The pilot's delay in applying the brakes during the landing rollout.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
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