N7322S

On May 16, 1997, at 1030 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182P, N7322S, was substantially damaged when it overran the runway and collided with trees while landing at the Skypark Airport (46N), Red Hook, New York. The certificated commercial pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight that originated at 46N, at 1018. No flight plan had been filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In a written statement, the pilot stated that while landing on runway 19, he encountered strong, gusty winds. The pilot estimated the winds were from 270 to 290 degrees at a velocity of 15 knots. He stated that just prior to touchdown, the plane encountered a gust "..from 290 that made the plane balloon." The pilot reported that when the airplane settled to the runway the brakes locked, causing the plane to swerve onto the grass. He stated, "I was able to steer it back to the runway but couldn't stop it before it went over the end of the runway and down the bank." The airplane continued down the embankment and collided with trees.

In a telephone interview, the FAA Inspector stated that the pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. The pilot reported that a tire "blew" during the accident. He also reported that he had not received a weather briefing prior to takeoff.

At Poughkeepsie, New York, 20 miles south of 46N, at 1045, the winds were reported to be from 270 degrees at 15 knots gusting to 25 knots.

In the Operator/Owner Safety Recommendation section of the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated:

"The accident was a result of a failure to initiate a go-around procedure. The failure should have been avoided by having present in my mind pre-set parameters (maximum acceptable touchdown point) which should lead to an automatic decision to go around, avoiding the temptation to try to 'save' the landing simply because the wheels are on the ground. Training to this effect should be emphasized."