Casualties unknown

Pilot Given Incorrect Airstrip Information Unable to Clear Powerlines During Go-Around, Aircraft Stalls and Flips (N737XJ)

Vick, LA, US

On September 5, 1986, a Cessna 172N (registration N737XJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Vick, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot was unable to retract the flaps in time to clear powerlines and subsequently stalled the aircraft while maneuvering to avoid collision. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot given incorrect destination airstrip location found a shorter grass strip. On final, he realized the error and attempted a go-around but could not retract flaps in time to clear 60-foot powerlines. He turned to avoid wires, causing a stall, and the aircraft mushed into a cotton field, flipping inverted.

Accident Details

The pilot was provided with incorrect information regarding the location of the intended destination airstrip. Upon arrival in the area, he located an airstrip at approximately the given coordinates. This strip was a 2,500-foot grass runway, contrasting with the expected 3,600-foot grass strip.

Sequence of Events

While on final approach to the airstrip, the pilot recognized that he was not approaching the correct runway. He initiated a go-around procedure. During the go-around, he was unable to retract the flaps in time to climb above 60-foot powerlines situated at the end of the runway. To avoid collision with the wires, the pilot executed a turn. The maneuvering caused the aircraft to stall.

Findings

The aircraft mushed into a cotton field and flipped inverted upon touchdown. The investigation determined that the pilot was unable to retract the flaps soon enough to clear the powerlines and subsequently stalled the aircraft while turning to avoid the wires.

Probable cause

The pilot was unable to retract the flaps in time to clear powerlines and subsequently stalled the aircraft while maneuvering to avoid collision.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Sept 1986 Cessna 172N accident near Vick, LA?

A pilot given incorrect destination airstrip location found a shorter grass strip. On final, he realized the error and attempted a go-around but could not retract flaps in time to clear 60-foot powerlines. He turned to avoid wires, causing a stall, and the aircraft mushed into a cotton field, flipping inverted.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Sept 1986 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N737XJ, at Vick, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot was unable to retract the flaps in time to clear powerlines and subsequently stalled the aircraft while maneuvering to avoid collision.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34786. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.