On December 29, 1985, a Cessna 172P (registration N96321) was involved in an aviation accident near Broomfield, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to correct for a 20-knot crosswind during touchdown, which led to drifting off the runway, and the subsequent attempt to execute a go-around at low airspeed with landing flaps extended, resulting in loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted a go-around at low airspeed with landing flaps extended after drifting off the runway during touchdown in strong crosswind conditions, resulting in loss of control and collision with a water tower.
What happened
During the flare and touchdown phase of landing, the aircraft drifted off the runway due to the pilot's failure to adequately correct for a 20-knot crosswind condition. Following this deviation, the pilot initiated a go-around maneuver while flying at low airspeed with the landing flaps extended to 25 degrees. This configuration and speed proved insufficient for maintaining control, leading to a loss of control. The aircraft subsequently collided with a water tower before impacting the ground and noseing over.
The investigation
The factual narrative indicates that the primary issue occurred during the transition from landing to a missed approach. The pilot's decision to attempt a go-around at low airspeed with full landing flaps contributed directly to the inability to maintain controlled flight after the initial runway excursion.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to correct for a 20-knot crosswind during touchdown, which led to drifting off the runway, and the subsequent attempt to execute a go-around at low airspeed with landing flaps extended, resulting in loss of control.
What happened in the 29 Dec 1985 Cessna 172P accident near Broomfield, CO?
A pilot attempted a go-around at low airspeed with landing flaps extended after drifting off the runway during touchdown in strong crosswind conditions, resulting in loss of control and collision with a water tower.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Dec 1985 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N96321, at Broomfield, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to correct for a 20-knot crosswind during touchdown, which led to drifting off the runway, and the subsequent attempt to execute a go-around at low airspeed with landing flaps extended, resulting in loss of control.
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