Casualties unknown

Airplane Crashes into Vineyard After Two Landing Attempts (N73890)

Bakersfield, CA, US

On April 18, 1982, a Cessna 172 (registration N73890) operated by Timothy D. Schulze was involved in an aviation accident near Bakersfield, CA. 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 aborted the first landing after veering left during braking. On a second attempt at slower airspeed, the airplane veered left again toward soft terrain. A go-around failed to clear grapevines, and the airplane crashed into the vineyard.

Landing Attempts

The pilot was landing on an airstrip with a vineyard located approximately 20 feet to the left of the runway. A left quartering headwind of 10 knots was present.

During the first landing, the airplane touched down but began to veer left when the brakes were applied. The pilot aborted the landing and initiated a go-around.

The second landing was made at a much slower airspeed. As the pilot began braking, the airplane again veered left, this time heading toward soft terrain on the side of the runway.

Collision

The pilot initiated another go-around but was unable to clear the grapevines. The landing gear struck the vines, and the airplane crashed into the vineyard.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Apr 1982 Cessna 172 accident near Bakersfield, CA?

A pilot aborted the first landing after veering left during braking. On a second attempt at slower airspeed, the airplane veered left again toward soft terrain. A go-around failed to clear grapevines, and the airplane crashed into the vineyard.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Apr 1982 involved a Cessna 172, registration N73890, operated by Timothy D. Schulze, at Bakersfield, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02222. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.