N738CS

On May 13, 1996, at 1055 central daylight time (cdt), a Cessna 172N, N738CS, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when on approach for landing it struck a truck. The airplane subsequently nosed over and impacted the end of the runway. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan was on file. The pilot and passenger reported minor injuries. The flight originated at Schaumburg, Illinois.

In his written statement, the pilot reported that he "intended to bleed off speed and touchdown on the numbers," of the runway. The passenger on board noticed the large semi-truck and notified the pilot. The pilot said that he had no time to react. He only had enough time to identify what he had struck.

A witness at the hold line for the active runway on the airport observed the airplane as it approached from the east. "I noted that he was low on his approach and assumed that he would take corrective action. As he approached the road, a semi crossed in front of the airplane. The airplane appeared to impact the side of the truck with its landing gear. The airplane flipped over the truck and impacted the ground upside-down."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who examined the wreckage at the scene found the airplane upside-down in a field next to the runway. The engine had separated from the firewall, bending the firewall and engine mount forward. Both wings had numerous bends and wrinkles. The nose gear was bent left and aft. The fuselage skin was wrinkled beginning at the engine mount to aft of the crew compartment. There was crush damage to the top of the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The horizontal stabilizer and elevator were bent up and aft. Flight control continuity was confirmed. The engine, engine controls and all other airplane systems revealed no anomalies.

A review of several flight planning publications which list Lake in the Hills Airport show remarks for runway 26 of, "threshold displaced 400 feet."

Examination of the runway showed a white threshold line and runway identification numbers, 400 feet west of where the prepared surface began.