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Nose gear collapse after gusty crosswind landing (N92777)

Holland, MI, US

On April 12, 1983, a Cessna 172M (registration N92777) was involved in an aviation accident near Holland, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the landing flare in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a nose-first touchdown and subsequent collapse of the nose gear. 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 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

A light aircraft touched down nose-first during a gusty crosswind landing, causing the nose gear to collapse and the firewall to bend. No injuries were reported among those on board.

What happened

The aircraft landed with its nose wheel touching down first while operating in gusty crosswind conditions. The active runway at the time was Runway 5. Wind data indicated a direction of 150 degrees with a speed of 15 knots, gusting up to 21 knots.

According to the pilot's account, she attempted to round out for the landing flare. However, a sudden wind gust caused the aircraft to drop prematurely, resulting in hard contact between the nose gear and the runway surface. The impact force caused the nose gear to collapse and bent the firewall.

Findings

  • Nose gear collapse due to premature ground contact
  • Firewall damage from structural stress
  • Gusty crosswind conditions (150° at 15 kts, gusting to 21 kts)
  • Runway 5 active at time of incident
  • No injuries reported among occupants

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the landing flare in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a nose-first touchdown and subsequent collapse of the nose gear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Apr 1983 Cessna 172M accident near Holland, MI?

A light aircraft touched down nose-first during a gusty crosswind landing, causing the nose gear to collapse and the firewall to bend. No injuries were reported among those on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Apr 1983 Cessna 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Apr 1983 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N92777, at Holland, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the landing flare in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a nose-first touchdown and subsequent collapse of the nose gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42625. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.