On May 22, 1988, a Cessna 172 (registration N5848A) operated by Gary C. Peterson was involved in an aviation accident near North Liberty, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain adequate airspeed and climb performance during the initial climbout, which led to a loss of control and a nose-down ground impact. 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.
A pilot departing a grass strip failed to maintain climb rate and airspeed. Attempts to regain speed by lowering the nose resulted in a nose-down impact that broke the nosewheel and flipped the aircraft.
What happened
The incident occurred while an aircraft was departing from a grass runway. During the initial climbout phase, the pilot reported being unable to maintain a sufficient rate of climb or airspeed. In an attempt to recover airspeed, the pilot pushed the nose forward. This maneuver caused the aircraft to strike the ground in a nose-down attitude. The impact occurred perpendicular to the field furrows, which resulted in the nosewheel breaking off and the aircraft flipping over.
The investigation
The physical evidence indicated a collision with the ground during the departure phase. The damage pattern was consistent with a nose-down impact perpendicular to the runway furrows. Structural failure of the nose landing gear was confirmed due to the force of the impact.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain adequate airspeed and climb performance during the initial climbout, which led to a loss of control and a nose-down ground impact.
What happened in the 22 May 1988 Cessna 172 accident near North Liberty, IN?
A pilot departing a grass strip failed to maintain climb rate and airspeed. Attempts to regain speed by lowering the nose resulted in a nose-down impact that broke the nosewheel and flipped the aircraft.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 May 1988 involved a Cessna 172, registration N5848A, operated by Gary C. Peterson, at North Liberty, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to maintain adequate airspeed and climb performance during the initial climbout, which led to a loss of control and a nose-down ground impact.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…