Casualties unknown

Go-Around Attempt During Crosswind Landing Results in Multiple Touchdowns (N738QM)

Wrightstown, NJ, US

On February 7, 1982, a Cessna 172N (registration N738QM) operated by Mcguire A.f. Aero Club was involved in an aviation accident near Wrightstown, NJ. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot with four passengers on board executed a go-around at 50 ft during a crosswind landing. After applying full power and raising flaps, the aircraft settled to 5 ft, drifted right, and the pilot could not arrest descent. The plane touched down on an inactive runway, became airborne again, then touched down nose first at the ramp edge.

Accident Sequence

The pilot was returning from a local flight with four passengers on board. The aircraft's gross weight was near the maximum limit and the center of gravity was near the forward limit. The pilot entered the traffic pattern for landing on runway 36. The wind was from 270 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 21 knots.

On final approach, the pilot had lowered the flaps to 20 degrees and the airspeed was at 60 knots. According to the pilot, the aircraft was drifting to the right when he applied left aileron and right rudder to correct for the drift. At an altitude of about 50 feet, a decision was made to go around.

Go-Around and Touchdowns

During the go-around, the pilot applied full power and turned the carburetor heat off. The pilot stated that the plane settled to 5 feet above ground level (AGL) and the speed increased to 80 knots. The flaps were raised, the trim was neutralized, and the plane drifted right. The pilot stated he was unable to apply enough back pressure to pull up.

The plane touched down on an inactive runway, became airborne again, then touched down nose first at the edge of the ramp.

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Feb 1982 Cessna 172N accident near Wrightstown, NJ?

A pilot with four passengers on board executed a go-around at 50 ft during a crosswind landing. After applying full power and raising flaps, the aircraft settled to 5 ft, drifted right, and the pilot could not arrest descent. The plane touched down on an inactive runway, became airborne again, then touched down nose…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Feb 1982 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N738QM, operated by Mcguire A.f. Aero Club, at Wrightstown, NJ.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02493. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.