# NTSB ERA12FA225: Cessna 501, N7700T, Franklin, NC, March 15, 2012 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report - Date: March 15, 2012, 13:50 local (17:50 UTC) - Place: Franklin, NC - Coordinates: 35.220554, -83.425552 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2206&lon=-83.4256&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing-aborted after touchdown: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 5 fatal - Status: Completed, report January 15, 2013 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: Cessna Aircraft Company, Pratt and Whitney Canada, FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 83139 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA12FA225 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/83139/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=83139 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA225 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to achieve a stabilized approach, resulting in a nose-first, bounced landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's activation of only one thrust reverser, resulting in asymmetrical thrust. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 501, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2076603), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Engine exhaust: thrust reverser](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057830): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 501, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057830/cases.md?model=2076603), [All aircraft, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057830/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: descent/approach/glide path](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 501, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md?model=2076603), [All aircraft, 809 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Landing area overshoot](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/380); cases with it: [Cessna 501, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/380/sequence.md?model=2076603), [All aircraft, 400 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/380/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090); cases with it: [Cessna 501, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md?model=2076603), [All aircraft, 1,506 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md) - [Landing-aborted after touchdown: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 501, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=2076603), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Landing-aborted after touchdown: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna 501, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2076603), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot was not familiar with the mountain airport. The airplane was high during the first visual approach to the runway. The pilot performed a go-around and the airplane was again high for the second approach. During the second approach, the approach angle steepened, and the airplane pitched nose-down toward the runway. The nosegear touched down about halfway down the runway followed by main gear touchdown. The airplane then bounced and the sound of engine noise increased as the airplane banked right and the right wing contacted the ground. The airplane subsequently flipped over and off the right side of the runway, and a postcrash fire ensued. Examination of the airframe and engines did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The examination also revealed that the right engine thrust reverser was deployed during the impact sequence, and the left engine thrust reverser was stowed. Although manufacturer data revealed single-engine reversing has been demonstrated during normal landings and is easily controllable, the airplane had already porpoised and bounced during the landing. The pilot’s subsequent activation of only the right engine’s thrust reverser would have created an asymmetrical thrust and most likely exacerbated an already uncontrolled touchdown. Had the touchdown been controlled, the airplane could have stopped on the remaining runway or the pilot could have performed a go-around uneventfully. ## Factual narrative HISTORY OF FLIGHT On March 15, 2012, about 1350 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 501, N7700T, operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged while landing at Macon County Airport (1A5), Franklin, North Carolina. The certificated private pilot and four passengers were fatally injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the flight that departed from Venice Municipal Airport (VNC), Venice, Florida, about 1150. Review of radar and communication data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that at 1340, the airplane was at 7,300 feet, when an Atlanta Center controller approved a frequency change to the local airport common traffic advisory frequency. The pilot acknowledged the frequency change and no further communication was received by Atlanta Center. Two witnesses, one of which was a pilot, worked for a fixed-based-operator (FBO) at 1A5 and were standing on the ramp area at the time of the accident. They reported that the airplane approached runway 25, a 5,001-foot long, 75-foot-wide, asphalt runway. The airplane was high during the approach, performed a go-around, and made a left turn for another approach. During the second approach, the airplane was high again and the approach angle steepened, nose-down toward the runway. The nosegear touched down approximately half-way down the runway, followed by main gear touchdown. The airplane then bounced and the witnesses heard the engine noise increase. It then banked right and the right wing contacted the ground. The airplane subsequently flipped over off the right side of the runway and a postcrash fire ensued. The airport was 2,020 feet above mean sea level and surrounded by mountains. The owner of the FBO had no record of the airplane having previously been to the airport. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot, age 62, held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, airplane multiengine land, and instrument airplane. He also held a type rating for the Cessna 501. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on December 20, 2010. Review of the pilot's logbook revealed that he had accumulated a total flight experience of approximately 1,159 hours. About 185 hours were in the accident airplane, which were flown during a 2-year period preceding the accident. The pilot had flown the accident airplane about 8 hours and 16 hours during the 30-day and 90-day periods preceding the accident, respectively. Review of the logbook did not reveal any previous trips to 1A5. The pilot had been involved in a prior accident on March 12, 2006 (NTSB ID No. MIA06CA072), in which he was the pilot-in-command of a Piper PA32-301 that departed the side of a runway while landing. The probable cause of that accident was "The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during the landingroll with a crosswind, resulting in collapse of the nose landing gear." AIRCRAFT INFORMATION The seven-seat airplane, serial number 501-0248, was manufactured in 1982. It was powered by two Pratt and Whitney Canada JT15D-1B engines, each capable of generating 2,200 pounds of thrust. The airplane was maintained under a manufacturer's approved inspection program. Its most recent phase inspections were completed on February 20, 2012. At that time, the airframe and engines had accrued 4,825.2 total hours of operation. The airplane was equipped with thrust reversers that formed the aft portion of the engine nacelles when in the stowed position. The reversers are activated by pilot operation of the thrust reverser throttle levers and deployed by hydraulic pressure supplied by an engine driven pump directed to the drive actuators. The reversers can only be deployed when the primary throttle levers are in the idle thrust position and the airplane is on the ground as sensed by either of the main gear squat switches. When commanded, the thrust reversers fully deploy within 1.5 seconds. After deployment, engine power can be increased by moving the thrust reverser throttle levers aft for maximum reverse thrust. Stops installed on the thrust reverser levers are set to 90 percent N1 at sea level on a standard day. To stow the thrust reversers, the pilot can move the reverse thrust levers through the idle reverse detent to the stow position. The airplane was also equipped with an emergency stow switch for each thrust reverser, located on the cockpit glareshield. Review of a Cessna 500/501 operation manual revealed: "Single engine reversing has been demonstrated during normal landings and is easily controllable." METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION The recorded weather at 1A5, at 1350, was: wind from 260 degrees at 3 knots; sky clear; visibility 10 miles; temperature 23 degrees C; dew point 7 degrees C, altimeter 30.28 inches of mercury. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION The airplane came to rest in a grassy area, about 50 feet off the right side of the runway, approximately 4,250 feet beyond the approach end of runway 25. The wreckage was inverted and oriented about a magnetic heading of 350 degrees. Approximately 100 feet of skid marks were observed about 2,300 feet beyond the approach end of the runway, consistent with the left and right main landing gear tires. Another 55-foot skid mark was observed about 250 feet beyond the first skids, which was consistent with the left main landing gear tire. A postcrash fire consumed a majority of the cockpit and cabin. The horizontal stabilizer, vertical stabilizer, elevator, and rudder remained intact and were charred. The left side of the elevator had partially separated from the horizontal stabilizer. The left wing inboard section was consumed by fire. The left wing outboard section was crushed and charred. A section of left aileron remained partially attached to the outboard left wing. With the exception of one flap hingeremaining, the left flap had separated from the left wing. The left main landing gear had also separated from the left wing. The right wing inboard section had separated from the fuselage, was crushed and charred. The outboard section had been consumed by fire. The right aileron separated and was found near the left wing. A section of right flap remained attached to the right wing. The right main landing gear remained attached to the right wing. The nosegear separated and the nosewheel and tire assembly was located on the runway, adjacent to the main wreckage. Examination of the landing gear, landing gear selector handle, flaps and flap selector handle revealed that the landing gear and flaps were in the fully extended position. Emergency medical service personnel reported that they had to cut control cables and move the right wing to gain access to the occupants. Control continuity was confirmed from the elevator, through push-pull tubes and a bellcrank, to control cables near the aft cabin area. At the aft cabin area, one cable was cut and the other cable turnbuckle had melted. The cables then extended from that point to the forward cockpit area. Continuity was also confirmed from the rudder through cables to the rudder pedals. The rudder cables had also been cut near the aft cabin area. Aileron control continuity was confirmed from their respective bull-wheels at the ailerons, through cables to the aileron sector assembly at the aft cabin area. The cables had been cut near that point and continued to extend to the forward cockpit area. Measurement of the elevator trim jackscrew revealed an approximate 13-degree elevator trim tab down position. Measurement of the rudder trim jackscrew revealed an approximate neutral rudder tab position. The right engine thrust-reverser was found in the deployed position and penetration damage was noted on the cowling underneath the reverser, consistent with the right thrust reverser being deployed during the impact sequence. The left engine thrust-reverser was found in the stowed position. The right throttle lever was observed in the aft position, near the flight idle stop, with its thrust reverser lever in the deploy position. The left throttle lever was in a mid-range position with its thrust reverser lever in the stow position. The engines were forwarded to the manufacturer's facility for teardown examination under the supervision of an FAA inspector. Teardown examination of the of both engines revealed that their respective low pressure compressor fan blade tips were bent opposite the direction of rotation and sand was noted on the high pressure turbine blades, consistent with the engine operating at the time of impact. The examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal engine operation. MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION An autopsy was performed on the pilot by the Macon County Medical Examiner, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on March 16, 2012.Toxicological testing was performed on the pilot by the FAA Bioaeronautical Science Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Review of the toxicology report revealed: "…Pravastatin detected in Urine Pravastatin NOT detected in Blood 31 (mg/dl ) Glucose detected in Vitreous 148 (mg/dl ) Glucose detected in Urine 7.3 (%) Hemoglobin A1C detected in Blood…" ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Landing Distance Review of performance data for the make and model airplane revealed that at an estimated landing weight of 9,500 pounds, the airplane required a landing distance of approximately 2,180 feet on a dry runway, without wind factored. The distance also assumed a landing reference speed (Vref) of 99 knots, a temperature of 25 degrees C, and no use of thrust reversers. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N7700T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7700T-2018-01-24), registration cancelled 2018-01-24, S/N 501-0248 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 501 - Registry model: [Cessna 501](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-501) (registry code 2076603) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 501-0248 - Airframe hours: 4825 - Engines: Pratt and Whitney Canada JT15D-1B 2200 lbs thrust turbo fan; Pratt and Whitney Canada JT15D-1B 2200 lbs thrust turbo fan - Damage: Substantial damage - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Jakubowski Bogdan - Registered owner: Jakubowski Bogdan - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: AAIP, February 20, 2012 - Departed: VNC, Venice, FL - Destination: 1A5, Franklin, NC - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: 1A5, Macon County Airport, runway 25, 5,001 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 62; injuries: fatal; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3; last flight review September 13, 2010; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,159 total, 185 in this make and model, 16 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 260° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 45 °F - Altimeter: 30.28 inHg - Observed at: 1A5 ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20120315007919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20120315007919A), Mar 15, 2012: Cessna 501, Franklin, NC, Destroyed, 5 fatal. Aircraft departed venice, FL (kvnc) at approximately 1149L on 03/15/2012 with 1 pilot and 4 passengers. Aircraft was on a flight plan to Macon County Airport… ## Docket (23 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on November 13, 2012, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=83139. 16.9 MB in all. - Witness Statements (item 1, .PDF, 431 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370834&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statements-Redacted.PDF - Interview Summary (item 2, .PDF, 51 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370835&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Interview%20Summary-Master.PDF - GPS Plot of Skid Marks and Wreckage (item 3, .PDF, 202 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370841&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=GPS%20Plot%20of%20Skid%20Marks%20and%20Wreckage-Master.PDF - Correspondence From Lockheed Martin (item 4, .PDF, 64 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370842&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Correspondence%20From%20Lockheed%20Martin-Redacted.PDF - ATC Data (item 5, .PDF, 104 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370843&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=ATC%20Data-Master.PDF - Excerpts From Pilot Logbook (item 6, .PDF, 1.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370870&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpts%20From%20Pilot%20Logbook-Redacted.PDF - Excerpt From Maintenance Records (item 7, .PDF, 196 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370846&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpt%20From%20Maintenance%20Records-Redacted.PDF - Excerpts From Cessna 500/501 Operation Manual (item 8, .PDF, 405 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40373903&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpts%20From%20Cessna%20500%2F501%20Operation%20Manual-Master.PDF - Excerpts From Cessna 501 Flight Manual (item 9, .PDF, 535 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40375323&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpts%20From%20Cessna%20501%20Flight%20Manual-Master.PDF - Manufacturer Report of Engine Examinations (item 10, .PDF, 11.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40373843&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Manufacturer%20Report%20of%20Engine%20Examinations-Redacted.PDF - Fuel Receipt (item 11, .PDF, 33 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370847&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Fuel%20Receipt-Redacted.PDF - Weather Report (item 12, .PDF, 16 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370853&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Report-Master.PDF - Toxicological Report (item 13, .PDF, 136 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370849&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Toxicological%20Report-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 14, .PDF, 299 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370850&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Redacted.PDF - Evidence Control Form (item 15, .PDF, 64 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370851&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Evidence%20Control%20Form-Master.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 16, .PDF, 127 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370852&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Redacted.PDF - Photograph # 1: First Skid Marks (item 17, .PDF, 250 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370854&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%23%201%3A%20%20First%20Skid%20Marks-Master.PDF - Photograph # 2: Second Skid Marks (item 18, .PDF, 279 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370855&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%23%202%3A%20%20Second%20Skid%20Marks-Master.PDF - Photograph # 3: View of Main Wreckage From Left Side (item 19, .PDF, 301 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370856&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%23%203%3A%20%20View%20of%20Main%20Wreckage%20From%20Left%20Side-Master.PDF - Photograph # 4: View of Main Wreckage From Front (item 20, .PDF, 286 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370857&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%23%204%3A%20%20View%20of%20Main%20Wreckage%20From%20Front-Master.PDF - Photograph # 5: View of Main Wreckage From Right Side (item 21, .PDF, 283 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370858&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%23%205%3A%20%20View%20of%20Main%20Wreckage%20From%20Right%20Side-Master.PDF - Photograph # 6: Aft View of Main Wreckage (item 22, .PDF, 281 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370859&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%23%206%3A%20%20Aft%20View%20of%20Main%20Wreckage-Master.PDF - Photograph # 7: Right Engine Thrust Reverser (item 23, .PDF, 292 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370860&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%23%207%3A%20%20Right%20Engine%20Thrust%20Reverser-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. 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