N738UW

On December 27, 1996, approximately 1545 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172N, N738UW, was substantially damaged during a collision with trees after an aborted landing at the Kupper Airport, Manville, New Jersey. The certificated private pilot and the passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot and passenger took off for a local flight, and upon his return to the airport, the pilot stated that he entered the airport traffic pattern for runway 25. The pilot recalled that there was one airplane in front and one following him in the traffic pattern. He reported that "he kept track of the airplane in front of him because the sun set almost totally wiped out the runway environment." The pilot also stated that the glare from the (old) windscreen was also very bad.

The pilot stated that his approach to the runway was "a little too high and with a little too much airspeed." After the airplane touched down it bounced twice, and the pilot decided to abort his landing. The pilot stated that he added full power, raised the flaps in 10 degree increments, and the airplane proceeded to "mush into the bushes and trees on the north side of the runway."

A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector examined the wreckage the following day. The airplane was in an upright position, two thirds of the way down the 3,450 foot runway, and approximately 180 feet to the right of centerline The Inspector was able to confirmed flight control continuity; flaps in the "up" position, and the carburetor heat switch in the "on" position. The Inspector interviewed the pilot, who reported that he did not experience any mechanical problems with the airplane or engine.