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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Nosed Over After Sudden Descent During Final Approach (N1398F)

Old Forge, NY, US

On June 21, 1982, a Cessna 172H (registration N1398F) operated by Rutland Region Flyers was involved in an aviation accident near Old Forge, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent hard landing. Contributing to the event was low level wind shear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

During a normal arrival, the aircraft dropped below the glide path over the runway threshold. The stall warning sounded as the pilot attempted to recover, resulting in a hard landing and nose-over.

What happened

The pilot reported that the traffic pattern and approach were proceeding normally during the arrival phase of the flight. This normal operation continued until the aircraft passed over the end of the runway threshold.

At this point, the aircraft suddenly dropped below the intended glide path. The stall warning horn activated as the descent rate increased. The pilot attempted to arrest the descent by applying power and pitch control, but the aircraft impacted the ground hard. Following the impact, the nose gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to nosed over.

The investigation

The pilot attributed the sudden loss of altitude to low level wind shear encountered during the final approach segment. No other mechanical failures or system malfunctions were reported prior to the event.

Findings

  • The aircraft deviated below the glide path near the runway threshold.
  • A stall warning was activated during the descent.
  • The pilot attempted to recover from the excessive descent rate.
  • The aircraft sustained hard landing damage and nosed over upon touchdown.
  • Low level wind shear was identified as a contributing factor.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent hard landing. Contributing to the event was low level wind shear.
Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jun 1982 Cessna 172H accident near Old Forge, NY?

During a normal arrival, the aircraft dropped below the glide path over the runway threshold. The stall warning sounded as the pilot attempted to recover, resulting in a hard landing and nose-over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jun 1982 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N1398F, operated by Rutland Region Flyers, at Old Forge, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent hard landing. Contributing to the event was low level wind shear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03966. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.