On December 22, 1987, a Cessna 172K (registration N78705) was involved in an aviation accident near Staunton, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing flare, resulting in a rightward drift that caused the right wingtip to strike two parked aircraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft drifted right during the landing flare, striking two parked planes. All three aircraft sustained substantial damage in the incident.
What happened
During the final phase of the approach, specifically while flaring for landing, the accident aircraft experienced a lateral drift to the right. This deviation resulted in the right wingtip making contact with the rudders of two other aircraft that were parked on the ramp.
The parked aircraft were positioned with their tails located 21 feet and 23 feet from the runway centerline. The accident aircraft had a wingspan of 35 feet 9 inches. Analysis of the geometry indicates that if the pilot had been able to maintain the runway centerline during touchdown, there would have been approximately 3 feet of clearance between the wingtip and the parked aircraft.
The impact caused substantial damage to all three aircraft involved in the collision.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing flare, resulting in a rightward drift that caused the right wingtip to strike two parked aircraft.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 22 Dec 1987 Cessna 172K accident near Staunton, IL?
An aircraft drifted right during the landing flare, striking two parked planes. All three aircraft sustained substantial damage in the incident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Dec 1987 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N78705, at Staunton, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing flare, resulting in a rightward drift that caused the right wingtip to strike two parked aircraft.
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