Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to initiate a go-around. The pilot's misjudged approach was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated, and witnesses observed, that the airplane landed fast and long and was unable to stop or takeoff prior to leaving the end of the runway. The airplane departed the end of the runway and struck a fence.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 20, 1997, about 1500 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172M, N13428, collided with a fence off the end of the runway during landing at the McMinn County Airport, Athens, Tennessee. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed for the local, personal flight. The pilot and three passengers were not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight departed McMinn County Airport about 1430 on the same day. According to the FAA Inspector on-scene the pilot stated and witnesses observed that the aircraft landed fast and long and was unable to stop prior to leaving the runway. -