19980726045019A

(.19)On July 26, 1998, about 1245 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 337G, N72326, was substantially damaged during a landing overrun at the greensburg Jeannette regional airport, Jeannette, Pennsylvania. The certificated commercial pilot and two passengers received serious injuries while one passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, which originated from republic airport, farmingdale, new york, about 1045. No flight plan had been filed for the flight that was conducted under 14 CFR part 91. According to an inspector from the federal aviation adminstration (FAA), the initial touchdown on the runway was not observed; however, the airplane was observed as it departed the end of the runway. The pilot was in a hospital and unable to be interviewed. The three passengers, two of whom were rated pilots were interviewed. The passengers reported the airplane landed in the first third of the runway, near the numbers. No deceleration was felt as the airplane rolled on the ground. As the airplane approached the departure end of the runway, on of the pilot rated passengers shouted, "brakes." The passengers estimated the speed o f the airplane as between 20 to 35 knots as it departed the runway. The FAA inspector reported that the airplane landed on runway 02, and departed the end of the runway. The terrain sloped down about 60 degrees, about 4 feet past the end of the runway. The airplane became momentarily airborne, and then made contact with the down slope. The airplane came to rest on a road about 50 feet below the level of the runway. According to FAA records, runway 02 was 2,605 feet long, 50 feet wide, and had an asphalt surface that was in good condition. Measurements on the runway taken by the penn township police department revealed an initial skid mark of 280 feet from the right main landing gear tire. This was followed by another 525 feet of skid marks from both tires. The FAA inspector reported that initially the skid marks were narrow and widened as the airplane progressed toward the end of the runway. Witnesses estimated the wind to be from 360 degrees at 4 knots, and the runway was dry. (.4) the occupants of the airplane reported that the airplane landed on the first 1/3 of a 2,605 foot long runway, and initially they did not feel any deceleration. As the airplane neared the end of the runway, a passenger called for brakes, and brakes were applied. Skid marks were found from the right main wheel for 280 feet, followed by skid marks from both wheels for an additional 525 feet prior to departing the runway. The airplane traveled across 23 feet of grass, momentarily became airborne, and settled into lower terrain. No evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction was found. The headwinds were estimated between 4 and 8 knots. According to the flight manual, the airplane required 1,755 feet to clear a 50 foot obstacle and stop on the runway at maximum landing weight, calm winds, 2,500 feet elevation.