Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Fence and Trees After Long Landing at Uncontrolled Airport (N52702)

Pacoima, CA, US

On March 10, 1984, a Cessna 172P (registration N52702) was involved in an aviation accident near Pacoima, CA. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft floated and touched down about two-thirds down the runway at an uncontrolled field, then struck a fence and trees. The wind tee was misaligned and difficult to read due to a faded windsock.

Incident Overview

During the overflight of an uncontrolled airport, both pilots observed that the wind tee indicated runway 12 as the landing direction. The aircraft subsequently landed, but it floated and touched down approximately two-thirds down the runway. The aircraft continued beyond the runway end, striking a fence and trees.

Subsequent Go-Arounds

Shortly after the accident, several other aircraft performed go-arounds due to excessive floating on the same runway.

Wind Indication System

Investigation revealed that the wind tee required manual alignment with the windsock, which was mounted on top of the tee. The windsock was faded, making it difficult to distinguish from the bright orange color of the wind tee.

Wind Conditions

The instructor pilot reported that the wind was from the north at 15 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Mar 1984 Cessna 172P accident near Pacoima, CA?

An aircraft floated and touched down about two-thirds down the runway at an uncontrolled field, then struck a fence and trees. The wind tee was misaligned and difficult to read due to a faded windsock.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Mar 1984 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N52702, at Pacoima, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X39064. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.