On May 5, 1985, a Cessna 172N (registration N4680G) was involved in an aviation accident near Vincentown, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during a gusty landing, resulting in a collision with tree tops. 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.
During a landing attempt in gusty wind conditions, the aircraft's right wing was lifted by a sudden gust during the flare phase. The pilot veered left to avoid trees but struck them with the left wing before falling into the canopy.
What happened
The aircraft collided with tree tops while attempting to land in gusty wind conditions. During the final approach, a sudden gust of wind lifted the right wing as the pilot initiated the flare. In response to the asymmetric lift and loss of control authority, the aircraft began to veer to the left.
The pilot evaluated the option of executing a go-around but determined that there was insufficient space to clear the surrounding trees safely. Consequently, the left wing struck the tree tops, causing the aircraft to fall into the canopy below.
The investigation
Post-accident examination confirmed that the primary damage resulted from the impact with the vegetation. The sequence of events was driven by aerodynamic forces encountered during the landing flare in unstable wind conditions.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during a gusty landing, resulting in a collision with tree tops.
What happened in the 5 May 1985 Cessna 172N accident near Vincentown, NJ?
During a landing attempt in gusty wind conditions, the aircraft's right wing was lifted by a sudden gust during the flare phase. The pilot veered left to avoid trees but struck them with the left wing before falling into the canopy.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 May 1985 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N4680G, at Vincentown, NJ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control during a gusty landing, resulting in a collision with tree tops.
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