Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Tree After Landing on Grass Runway (N54569)

Lisabuella, WA, US

On May 2, 1982, a Cessna 172N (registration N54569) operated by Competition Aircraft was involved in an aviation accident near Lisabuella, WA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 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 landed on a grass runway with a left crosswind, touched down early, applied brakes late, and slid into a tree. The airport manager said the plane landed downwind and bounced.

Incident Details

A pilot landed an aircraft on a freshly mowed grass runway. According to the pilot, a left crosswind was present at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The aircraft touched down approximately one-third of the way along the runway. About 450 feet from the departure end, the pilot applied the brakes. The aircraft subsequently slid into a tree located at the end of the runway.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the landing was performed with a left crosswind of 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The aircraft touched down at about one-third the length of the runway. Braking was initiated approximately 450 feet from the departure end. Despite braking, the aircraft continued sliding and struck a tree at the runway's end.

Airport Manager Report

The airport manager stated that the aircraft had landed downwind and that it bounced and porpoised down the runway. No further details were provided by the manager.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 May 1982 Cessna 172N accident near Lisabuella, WA?

A pilot landed on a grass runway with a left crosswind, touched down early, applied brakes late, and slid into a tree. The airport manager said the plane landed downwind and bounced.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 May 1982 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N54569, operated by Competition Aircraft, at Lisabuella, WA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04073. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.