Cessna 172P accident near Bennington, VT
On October 25, 2009, a Cessna 172P (airplane) was involved in an accident near Bennington, VT. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- October 25, 2009
- Place
- Bennington, VT
- Aircraft
- Cessna 172P · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 42.893°N, 73.264°W
- NTSB ID
- 20091026X23547
Official records · ERA10FA029
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On October 25, 2009, about 1910 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172P, N55479, was substantially damaged following an impact with trees and terrain near the William H. Morse State Airport (DDH), Bennington, Vermont. The airplane was owned and operated by Sky Training, LLC, West Milford, New Jersey. The private pilot was killed. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight originated at Greenwood Lake Airport (4N1), West Milford, New Jersey, at 1730. Two witnesses at the airport, a husband and wife, reported that the airplane was in the traffic pattern at DDH, and the pilot was performing right-hand patterns for runway 13. According to the Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD), right-hand traffic was directed for runway 31, while no traffic direction was specified for runway 13. The witnesses observed the airplane attempt two approaches, each followed by a go-around about 20 feet above ground level (AGL). On the final pattern, the airplane was observed on downwind leg, at low altitude, and in level flight. The witnesses stated that the engine was running normally, followed by the sound of an impact, then silence. The witnesses called 911 and a search for the airplane ensued. The wreckage was located approximately 0909 on October 26. Another witness, who lived adjacent to the airport, reported that he was outside and heard the airplane. He saw the airplane approach from the west, which he thought was unusual. He sta
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during a night approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s non-standard traffic pattern over higher terrain.
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Browse: Vermont · Cessna aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
