Casualties unknown

Pilot Error Leads to Stall and Crash After Tailwind Landing Attempt (N5234U)

Calistoga, CA, US

On October 4, 1987, a Cessna 172RG (registration N5234U) was involved in an aviation accident near Calistoga, CA. 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 used an incorrect CTAF frequency and right-hand traffic pattern, touched down long with a tailwind, delayed go-around, removed flaps prematurely, and stalled during climb, crashing into a residential backyard.

Incident

The pilot of an aircraft arriving at the destination airport used an incorrect Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to contact the airport and employed a right-hand traffic pattern for the 2600-foot-long runway.

Sequence of Events

A residential area lies west of the airport, and open fields lie to the east; therefore, all landings are to be performed from over the fields, even when tailwinds are present. On this occasion, a tailwind of 5 to 15 knots existed. The pilot touched down long and delayed initiating a go-around. The pilot removed flaps before adding engine power, and the aircraft barely became airborne by the end of the runway. The aircraft was near maximum gross weight. The pilot attempted to climb with an excessively high nose pitch attitude. The aircraft traveled for 1350 feet, stalled, entered an uncontrolled descent, and crashed into the backyard of a residence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Oct 1987 Cessna 172RG accident near Calistoga, CA?

A pilot used an incorrect CTAF frequency and right-hand traffic pattern, touched down long with a tailwind, delayed go-around, removed flaps prematurely, and stalled during climb, crashing into a residential backyard.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Oct 1987 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N5234U, at Calistoga, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32345. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.