N3985L

On May 20, 2003, about 1445 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172G, N3985L, was substantially damaged during an aborted landing at Ocean City Municipal Airport (26N), Ocean City, New Jersey. The certificated private pilot was seriously injured, and a passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed Camden County Airport (19N), Berlin, New Jersey, about 1400. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot reported that he was landing on runway 06, a 2,973 foot-long, 60 foot-wide, asphalt runway. During touchdown, the airplane encountered severe turbulence, and the pilot attempted to abort the landing. However, the airplane did not have sufficient airspeed, and traveled off the end of the runway. The airplane subsequently came to rest in a swamp near the end of runway.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the airplane departed the right side of the runway. The airplane then struck a runway sign and berm, before it came to rest in the swamp.

Examination of the wreckage by the FAA inspector revealed damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the nose gear. The inspector did not observe any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions.

The reported wind at an airport located about 11 miles north of Ocean City, at 1454, was from 140 degrees at 11 knots.