Cessna 172M Skyhawk, N12194, accident occurred on December 19, 2024, at Lakewood Airport (N12), Lakewood, New Jersey

 

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Investigator In Charge (IIC): Robert Gretz

Additional Participating Entities:
Judy Stillwagon; FAA FSDO; Philadelphia, PA

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N12194

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/199452/pdf

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=199452

Analysis

The pilot reported that he flew uneventfully over the local area and was returning to the departure airport. He was attempting to land on a 2,987-ft-long runway with a 9-knot right-quartering crosswind. The airplane was high during the first approach and the pilot performed a go-around. During the second approach, the airplane was high again and fast. The pilot attempted a slip, but the airplane was still fast and floated longer above the runway than anticipated. The pilot initiated a second go-around but was too far down the runway and was unable to clear trees at the end of the runway. The airplane subsequently impacted trees and the ground. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to both wings and the empennage.

Probable Cause

The pilot’s delay in performing a go-around, which resulted in a collision with trees at the end of the runway.

Findings

• Personnel issues: Delayed action – Pilot

• Aircraft: Altitude – Not attained/maintained

History of Flight

• Approach-VFR go-around: Collision with terrain/object (non-CFIT) (Defining event)

Pilot Information

• Certificate: Private

• Age: 76

• Sex: Male

• Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land

• Seat Occupied: Left

• Other Aircraft Rating(s): None

• Restraint Used: Lap only

• Instrument Rating(s): None

• Toxicology Performed: No

• Medical Certification: BasicMed

• Last FAA Medical Exam: February 2024

• Flight Time: 810 hours (Total, all aircraft), 180 hours (Total, this make and model), 3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 1 hour (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

• Aircraft Make: Cessna

• Registration: N12194

• Model/Series: 172M

• Aircraft Category: Airplane

• Year of Manufacture: 1973

• Amateur Built: No

• Airworthiness Certificate: Normal

• Serial Number: 17261875

• Landing Gear Type: Tricycle

• Seats: 4

• Date/Type of Last Inspection: May 8, 2024 Annual

• Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2,300 lbs

• Time Since Last Inspection: 30 Hrs

• Engines: 1 Reciprocating

• Airframe Total Time: 6,800 Hrs at time of accident

• Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming

• ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident

• Engine Model/Series: O-320-E2D

• Registered Owner: On file

• Rated Power: 160 Horsepower

• Operator: On file

• Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

---

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

• Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)

• Condition of Light: Day

• Observation Facility, Elevation: BLM, 157 ft msl

• Observation Time: 15:56 Local

• Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles

• Temperature/Dew Point: 6°C / -3°C

• Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear

• Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 10 knots, 320°

• Lowest Ceiling: None

• Visibility: 10 miles

• Altimeter Setting: 30.28 inches Hg

• Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

• Departure Point: Lakewood, NJ

• Destination: Lakewood, NJ

---

Wreckage and Impact Information

• Crew Injuries: 1 None

• Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None

• Aircraft Damage: Substantial

• Aircraft Fire: None

• Aircraft Explosion: None

• Total Injuries: 1 Minor, 2 None

• Latitude, Longitude: 40.067182, -74.176655 (estimated)