N8260X

Substantial
Minor

Cessna 172CS/N: 17248760

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, December 14, 2006
NTSB Number
NYC07CA049
Location
Middletown, NY
Event ID
20070118X00067
Coordinates
41.431945, -74.391670
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot misjudging distance/altitude during the turn from base to final, which resulted in an undershoot and subsequent collision with trees. A factor was the haze.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N8260X
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
17248760
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1961
Model / ICAO
172CC172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
GROUP 6 AVIATION INC
Address
RR 1 BOX 353
Status
Deregistered
City
TANNERSVILLE
State / Zip Code
PA 18372-9638
Country
United States

Analysis

While turning from base to final for a landing at the destination airport, the Cessna 172C struck trees and was substantially damaged. The pilot stated that the combination of "hazy visibility," a crazed windshield, and sun glare resulted in his misjudgment of the descent rate and runway alignment. He also stated that he should have initiated a "go-around."

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC07CA049