# NTSB SEA91LA063: Cessna 120, N3163N, Skykomish, WA, March 9, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 9, 1991, 10:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Skykomish, WA
- Coordinates: 47.640781, -121.330627 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.6408&lon=-121.3306&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41396
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA063
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41396/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA063

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO TAKE APPROPRIATE REMEDIAL ACTION AFTER LANDING TOO FAR DOWN THE RUNWAY.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)
  - proper touchdown point - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Nose down, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT, WHO WAS GAINING OPERATING EXPERIENCE FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES, ELECTED TO LAND AT SKYKOMISH WHILE VISITING SEVERAL AIRPORTS.  THE PILOT STATED THAT HE LANDED LONGER THAN HE WOULD LIKE, AND DIDN'T USE THE BRAKES AS AGGRESSIVELY AS HE COULD HAVE.  THE AIRPLANE ROLLED OFF THE END OF THE RUNWAY AND SUBSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3163N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3163N), registered now, S/N 13421, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 120
- Registry model: [Cessna 120](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-120) (registry code 2071402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 13421
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Myles Bradley/Virgene Bornhold
- Registered owner: Myles Bradley/Virgene Bornhold
- Departed: S88, ARLINGTON, WA
- Destination: WA60, SKYKOMISH, WA
- Airport: WA60, Skykomish, runway 6, 2,050 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 158 total, 11 in this make and model, 114 as pilot in command, 11 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19910309012739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910309012739A), Mar 9, 1991: Cessna 120, Skykomish, WA, Substantial damage. Landed fast. Unable to stop on wet grass strip. Ran off end into ditch. CFI safety pilot on board for insurance.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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