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Casualties unknown

N-number aircraft veers off runway after landing bounce (N23388)

Michigan City, IN, US

On April 17, 1983, a Cessna 172M (registration N23388) was involved in an aviation accident near Michigan City, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and colliding with a tree. 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

A light aircraft bounced during landing on runway 23, settled left of centerline, and slid off the pavement onto wet sod before striking a tree.

What happened

The pilot reported that the aircraft experienced a bounce during the landing phase. Upon settling, the aircraft was positioned on the left side of the runway. During the subsequent landing roll, the left main wheel departed the paved surface and moved further to the left, causing the aircraft to leave the runway entirely.

The aircraft then slid across wet sod before the left wing made contact with a tree located approximately 100 feet to the left of the runway edge. The landing was conducted on runway 23 under wind conditions from 315 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the landing roll and the resulting impact with terrain features. Examination confirmed that the aircraft departed the paved surface via the left main gear and sustained damage consistent with sliding over sod and striking a tree.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and colliding with a tree.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Apr 1983 Cessna 172M accident near Michigan City, IN?

A light aircraft bounced during landing on runway 23, settled left of centerline, and slid off the pavement onto wet sod before striking a tree.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Apr 1983 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N23388, at Michigan City, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and colliding with a tree.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42627. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.