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Aircraft Nose-overs After Runway Barrier Impact During Wet Approach (N5284D)

Gastonia, NC, US

On June 22, 1983, a Cessna 172 (registration N5284D) was involved in an aviation accident near Gastonia, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate braking effectiveness on a wet runway, which resulted in striking a barrier at the end of the runway and causing the aircraft to nose over. 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.

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

During a visual approach in rainy conditions, the aircraft landed on a wet runway with reduced braking effectiveness and struck a barrier at the end of the pavement, resulting in a nose-over.

What happened

The pilot was conducting an ASR (Airport Surveillance Radar) approach when the runway environment became visible at a distance of one-half mile. At this point, the aircraft was at an altitude of 800 feet above ground level. Touchdown occurred approximately halfway down the runway with a indicated airspeed of 68 knots and flaps set to 40 degrees.

Braking performance was reported as less than good due to wet conditions. The pilot stated that it was raining at the time of landing and that there was standing water on the runway surface. As the aircraft traveled down the runway, it struck a barrier located at the end of the runway, which caused the aircraft to nose over.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the landing and the subsequent impact with the barrier. The pilot's statement indicated that weather conditions included rain and standing water on the runway, which likely contributed to reduced braking effectiveness.

Findings

  • Rain was present at the time of landing
  • Standing water was observed on the runway surface
  • Braking was less than good
  • The aircraft struck a barrier at the end of the runway
  • The impact caused the aircraft to nose over

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate braking effectiveness on a wet runway, which resulted in striking a barrier at the end of the runway and causing the aircraft to nose over.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jun 1983 Cessna 172 accident near Gastonia, NC?

During a visual approach in rainy conditions, the aircraft landed on a wet runway with reduced braking effectiveness and struck a barrier at the end of the pavement, resulting in a nose-over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jun 1983 involved a Cessna 172, registration N5284D, at Gastonia, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate braking effectiveness on a wet runway, which resulted in striking a barrier at the end of the runway and causing the aircraft to nose over.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43220. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.