N5613RCESSNA 172F2011-10-28 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
Serious

CESSNA 172FS/N: 17253225

Summary

On October 28, 2011, a Cessna 172F (N5613R) was involved in an accident near Smoketown, PA. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot did not maintain a proper approach path, which resulted in a collision with a tree.

The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that, while on final approach for landing, he descended the airplane too low and the airplane's left wing contacted a tree. The airplane veered left and continued to descend before impacting the ground, resulting in substantial damage to both left and right wings and the engine firewall. The inspector's postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies.

This accident is documented in NTSB report ERA12CA053. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5613R.

Accident Details

Date
Friday, October 28, 2011
NTSB Number
ERA12CA053
Location
Smoketown, PA
Event ID
20111031X42645
Coordinates
40.041389, -76.201385
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot did not maintain a proper approach path, which resulted in a collision with a tree.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
17253225
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1965
Model / ICAO
172FC172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
PO BOX 1693
Status
Deregistered
City
BAY MINETTE
State / Zip Code
AL 36507-1693
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that, while on final approach for landing, he descended the airplane too low and the airplane's left wing contacted a tree. The airplane veered left and continued to descend before impacting the ground, resulting in substantial damage to both left and right wings and the engine firewall. The inspector's postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA053