On October 4, 1984, a Cessna 172M (registration N70554) operated by George J. Cartwright was involved in an aviation accident near Norfolk, VA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
On final approach behind a Boeing 727 and ahead of a Boeing 737, N70554 rolled into a 90-degree bank at 50 feet AGL, then turned right before ground contact. The pilot noted a higher approach or go-around would have been appropriate.
Incident Overview
During a landing approach, the pilot of aircraft N70554 was positioned behind a Boeing 727 and in front of a Boeing 737. Air traffic control (ATC) requested a short approach and issued a wake turbulence caution.
Sequence of Events
On final approach, at approximately 50 feet above ground level (AGL), a witness observed the aircraft roll sharply into a 90-degree bank. The aircraft began to roll out of the bank, then quit flying and turned right approximately 120 degrees before contacting the ground.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that he should have flown a higher approach or executed a go-around to avoid the situation.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Oct 1984 Cessna 172M accident near Norfolk, VA?
On final approach behind a Boeing 727 and ahead of a Boeing 737, N70554 rolled into a 90-degree bank at 50 feet AGL, then turned right before ground contact. The pilot noted a higher approach or go-around would have been appropriate.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Oct 1984 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N70554, operated by George J. Cartwright, at Norfolk, VA.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…