Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he intended to complete three full-stop landings at night, to meet currency requirements. During the first landing, the airplane bounced three times and veered left. The pilot applied right rudder and right aileron in an attempt to correct; however, the nosegear struck a snowbank off the left side of the runway. During the collision, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane and the wind was reported as calm about the time of the accident. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the right wing and vertical stabilizer.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14CA127 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 17, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Caldwell, New Jersey
- Nearest airport
- Essex County Airport (CDW)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Cessna 172S
- N-number
- N426SP
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2000
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.