On April 21, 1985, a Cessna 172P (registration N55448) was involved in an aviation accident near Boron, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot on a cross-country business flight made a precautionary landing due to low fuel, abandoned two approaches in severe crosswinds, then ground-looped on the third attempt.
Incident Overview
A pilot operating a cross-country business flight reported becoming concerned about an indicated low fuel state and decided to make a precautionary landing. The pilot abandoned two approaches due to what he described as the most difficult crosswind conditions and gusts he had ever experienced. After touching down on the third landing attempt, the pilot stated that the aircraft "lurched left, then forward and up over onto its back."
Witness Observations
A sheriff's deputy who arrived at the airport shortly after the accident reported that local surface winds were 40 to 50 miles per hour at the time.
Aircraft Status
The aircraft came to rest inverted after the ground loop. No further details about the aircraft or its occupants were provided in the available records.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 21 Apr 1985 Cessna 172P accident near Boron, CA?
A pilot on a cross-country business flight made a precautionary landing due to low fuel, abandoned two approaches in severe crosswinds, then ground-looped on the third attempt.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Apr 1985 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N55448, at Boron, CA.
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…