Casualties unknown

Aircraft Encounters Wake Turbulence on Landing, Flips Inverted and Crashes (N80929)

Raleigh, NC, US

On July 14, 1987, a Cessna 172M (registration N80929) operated by John W. Strickland was involved in an aviation accident near Raleigh, NC. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A pilot landing on Runway 23R behind a Boeing 727 encountered wake turbulence, causing the aircraft to flip inverted and crash. The controller had issued a wake turbulence caution.

Synopsis

A pilot conducting an approach to Runway 23R experienced wake turbulence from a preceding Boeing 727, resulting in the aircraft flipping inverted and crashing. The incident occurred during landing configuration over the runway.

Sequence of Events

The approach controller initially vectored the pilot for landing on Runway 23R, behind a Boeing 727. The controller then offered the option to land on Runway 23L, but the pilot chose to continue the approach to Runway 23R. The tower controller subsequently cleared the flight to land on Runway 23R and issued a wake turbulence caution reminder. While over the runway in the landing configuration, the flight encountered wake turbulence, causing the aircraft to flip inverted before it crashed.

Weather Conditions

Surface winds were reported from 250 degrees at 4 knots.

Investigation

As of the source report, no probable cause has been officially stated. The investigation focused on the wake turbulence encounter and the circumstances leading to the loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jul 1987 Cessna 172M accident near Raleigh, NC?

A pilot landing on Runway 23R behind a Boeing 727 encountered wake turbulence, causing the aircraft to flip inverted and crash. The controller had issued a wake turbulence caution.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jul 1987 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N80929, operated by John W. Strickland, at Raleigh, NC.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31400. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.