WALDRON ISLAND, WA, USA
N65923
Cessna 172P
The private pilot reported that upon arrival in the area of the private 2,700 foot long, gravel airstrip, he executed a descending 360-degree turn to lose altitude, and then lined up to land to the southeast under light and variable wind conditions. He reported sequentially lowering the flaps to 30 degrees on the approach and then experienced a rapid descent rate. The touchdown was reported as within the first third of the runway at 60 knots. He then applied braking but felt the aircraft was not decelerating adequately. He then applied heavier braking during which the brakes locked and the aircraft continued off the upwind end of the runway impacting trees. A commuter pilot who landed at the airstrip about one hour later reported, 'Skid marks were present in the gravel approximately the last 500 feet of the runway to where the aircraft was resting in the trees' and the airstrip was 'not for the inexperienced' pilot. The aircraft flight manual for the Cessna 172P provided a 'Short Field' landing distance planning table which showed that at sea level and a weight of 2,400 pounds (maximum gross weight) and 10 degrees Centigrade, a ground roll distance of 530 feet was expected with a total distance of 1,265 feet to clear a 50 foot obstacle. The landing criteria were based upon no wind, flaps 30 degrees, power off, and maximum braking on a level, dry, paved runway. No mechanical malfunction of the aircraft's brakes or wheels was noted following the accident.
On November 2, 2000, approximately 1155 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172P, N65923, registered to Pearson & Pearson Leasing, operated by Pearson Air, Inc., and being flown by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when the aircraft continued beyond the upwind end of the runway during the landing roll, and impacted trees. The accident occurred at Waldronaire airport, on Waldron, Island, Washington, and both occupants were uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was in effect. The flight, which was personal, was operated under 14CFR91, and originated from Olympia, Washington, at 1040. The private pilot reported that upon arrival in the Waldron Island area, he executed a descending 360-degree turn to lose altitude, and then lined up to land to the southeast. The private airstrip was equipped with a single runway (32/14) which was reported as 2,700 feet in length. The pilot reported that the landing surface was gravel with turf surrounding the runway and that the winds on landing were light and variable. He reported sequentially lowering the flaps to 30 degrees on the approach and then experienced a rapid descent rate. The touchdown was reported as within the first third of the runway at 60 knots. He then applied braking but felt the aircraft was not decelerating adequately. He then applied heavier braking during which the brakes locked and the aircraft continued off the upwind end of the runway impacting trees. The pilot reported that the aircraft's main wheels rolled freely during the recovery from the accident site and that he experienced no brake malfunction. The pilot was sent NTSB Form 6120.1/2 on November 3, 2000, with a second mailing via certified mail on February 2, 2001 (refer to Attachment USPS I). No response was received in either case. The pilot was issued his private pilot certificate on April 23, 1999, and reported a total of 100 hours of flight experience at his last medical examination conducted July 12, 1999. His total flight time and experience in make and model at the time of the accident was not known. An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) telephonically interviewed the pilot on the date of the accident (refer to Attachment RTC I). Additionally, the FAA inspector telephonically interviewed a commuter pilot who landed at the same airstrip about one hour later. The commuter pilot reported, "Skid marks were present in the gravel approximately the last 500 feet of the runway to where the aircraft was resting in the trees." Additionally he reported that "...the airstrip is approximately 3,000 feet in length and is surrounded by large Douglas Firs ranging in height from 100 to 150 feet..." the runway was "covered by loose gravel and golf-ball sized rocks..." and "...the airport is "not for the inexperienced" pilot..." (refer to attachment RTC II and CHART I). The aircraft flight manual for the Cessna 172P provided a "Short Field" landing distance planning table which showed that at sea level and a weight of 2,400 pounds (maximum gross weight) and 10 degrees Centigrade, a ground roll distance of 530 feet was expected with a total distance of 1,265 feet to clear a 50 foot obstacle (refer to TABLE I). The landing criteria were based upon no wind, flaps 30 degrees, power off, and maximum braking on a level, dry, paved runway. The operator reported that following the recovery of the aircraft an examination revealed no mechanical malfunction of the aircraft's brakes or wheels.
The pilot's improper distance/speed during the approach, which lead to an overrun during the landing roll and subsequent collision with trees. A factor was the trees beyond the upwind end of the runway.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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