Primary finding
Probable cause
The continuation of the landing attempt into the short sod field without the use of flaps and the use of excessive airspeed by the pilot. Factors in the accident were the failure of the aircraft flaps to extend
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during engine run up, prior to departure from his private sod airfield, he observed both fuel gauges fail. He stated that he had visually checked his fuel, and had sufficient fuel for his intended flight. He continued with the flight. During his preparation for landing at the airfield, when he placed the flap lever to the approach position, the flaps would not extend. As he was unsure of his fuel status, he stated that he decided to continue and land at the short sod field. He used a higher than normal approach speed, and intended to use a road leading to the airstrip for an overrun, if necessary. After landing, he was unable to control either the brakes or the rudder. The aircraft struck an abandoned bus and other equipment at the end of the runway, and received substantial damage. The pilot stated that following the accident, his front seat passenger was heard to comment that prior to the landing, he had braced himself with his feet. The pilot stated that the front seat passenger had his feet on the aircraft rudder pedals, which explained his loss of control of the brakes and rudder
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 6, 1993, at about 1130 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172F, N8279U was substantially damaged following a collision with a fence and terrain near Ravenel, South Carolina. The private pilot received minor injuries in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed for the local personal flight. The flight departed the private sod field at approximately 1110. The pilot reported that during engine run up, prior to departure from his private sod airfield, he observed both fuel gauges fail. He stated that he had visually checked his fuel, and had sufficient fuel for his intended flight. He continued with the flight. During his preparation for landing at the airfield, when he placed the flap control lever to the approach position, the flaps would not extend. As he was unsure of his fuel status, he stated that he decided to continue with and land at the short sod field. He used a higher than normal approach speed, and intended to use a road leading to the airstrip for an overrun, if necessary. After landing, he was unable to control the either the aircraft brakes or the rudder. The aircraft struck an abandoned bus and other equipment a the end of the runway, and received substantial damage. The pilot stated that following the accident, his front seat passenger was heard to comment that prior to the landing, he had braced himself with his feet. The pilot stated that the front seat passenger had his feet on the aircraft rudder pedals, which explained his loss of control of the brakes and rudder. -