FTW02LA178

Factual narrative

On June 15, 2002, approximately 1700 central daylight time, a Cessna 172M single-engine airplane, N21799, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while landing at the Kirbyville Airport, Kirbyville, Texas. The private pilot and his one passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to a private individual, doing business as C.J. Enterprises, and operated by another private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from the Jasper County Airport, Jasper, Texas, at 1415. In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that prior to landing on runway 04, he made several low approaches to the runway to "check my approach in calm winds." On the final approach, he determined that he could land and stop prior to reaching the intersection of runway 13-31, where runway construction was underway. He had been advised the day before the accident that runway 04/22 was open, and that there was 1,600 feet of runway available from the approach end of runway 04 to the intersection of runway 13/31. The pilot stated that the runway condition deteriorated near the construction area; the runway surface contained loose gravel, which resulted in poor braking action. "The last 200 feet seemed looser than the previous surface. Until I reached that point, I thought I would be able to stop." The airplane proceeded into the construction area and struck an 8 to 12 inch berm. The nose gear separated, and the airplane nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position. The pilot reported to an FAA inspector that he had landed approximately 1,000 feet beyond the approach end of the runway. According to an FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, the vertical stabilizer and rudder sustained structural damage, and both wing spars were damaged. At 1445, the Jasper County-Bell Field Airport, Jasper, Texas, Automated Weather Observing System, located 16 nautical miles north-northwest of Kirbyville, reported the wind at 290 degrees at 4 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, sky clear, temperature 33 degrees C, dew point 13 degrees C, and an altimeter of 29.93 inches of mercury. Prior to landing, the private pilot made several low approaches to runway 04. Runway 04 was limited to 1,600 feet of available runway due to construction taking place at the intersection with runway 13-31. The airplane landed approximately 1,000 feet down the runway and proceeded through the intersection of the runways. The runway surface near the construction area contained loose gravel, which the pilot said resulted in poor braking action. The airplane struck an 8 to 12 inch berm, the nose gear separated, and the airplane nosed over. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12