Pilot’s Failure To Land At The Manufacturer’s Recommended Approach Speed, Which Resulted In A Runway Excursion

Location: Lambertville, Michigan Accident Number: CEN25LA244
Date & Time: July 8, 2025, 18:54 Local Registration: N1229V
Aircraft: Cessna Aircraft Co LC41-550FG Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Runway excursion Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot reported that he aligned the airplane on final approach, lowered the flaps, pitched for an airspeed of 85 kts, and then landed the airplane at the runway threshold. He stated that during the landing roll, he applied brakes, but the brakes failed. The airplane exited the end of the runway and impacted trees which resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.

According to the airplane manufacturer’s normal landing checklist, the indicated airspeed on final approach should be between 85 to 90 knots (kts). A review of ADS-B data and data from the airplane’s onboard electronic flight instrument system showed that when the airplane crossed the runway’s displaced threshold, the indicated airspeed was 111 kts with a groundspeed of 115 kts. The airplane did not reach 85 to 90 kts indicated airspeed until it was more than halfway down the runway.

A postaccident examination of the brakes revealed that the brakes operated properly. The left and right main wheels firmly locked when the brake master cylinder was compressed on both the pilot and copilot side. There were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to land at the manufacturer’s recommended approach speed, which resulted in a runway excursion, and impact with trees.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov