On May 18, 1983, a Cessna 172 (registration N2797E) was involved in an aviation accident near Warsaw, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a touch-and-go landing due to a wind gust that lifted the right wing, resulting in a left wing strike and nosedown attitude. 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.
A pilot performing a touch-and-go landing encountered a wind gust that lifted the right wing, causing the left wing to strike the ground and the aircraft to nose over.
What happened
The pilot reported that he was conducting a third touch-and-go landing sequence. During the final approach phase, he noted the presence of a right quartering crosswind. He implemented control adjustments to compensate for the wind conditions. Just prior to touchdown, a sudden gust of wind lifted the aircraft's right wing. The pilot was unable to correct the attitude in time. The left wing struck the ground first. This impact caused the aircraft to nosed over.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the wind gusting at 21 knots. The gust disrupted the aircraft's stability during a critical phase of flight. The pilot could not compensate quickly enough to prevent the left wing strike.
Safety message
Pilots should remain vigilant for sudden wind changes during low-altitude maneuvers. Touch-and-go landings require constant attention to wind direction and speed.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a touch-and-go landing due to a wind gust that lifted the right wing, resulting in a left wing strike and nosedown attitude.
What happened in the 18 May 1983 Cessna 172 accident near Warsaw, IN?
A pilot performing a touch-and-go landing encountered a wind gust that lifted the right wing, causing the left wing to strike the ground and the aircraft to nose over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 May 1983 involved a Cessna 172, registration N2797E, at Warsaw, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a touch-and-go landing due to a wind gust that lifted the right wing, resulting in a left wing strike and nosedown attitude.
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