Casualties unknown

1988-06-09: Cessna 172 (N5317K) — Wings Inc. — Fairmont, MN

Fairmont, MN, US

On June 9, 1988, a Cessna 172 (registration N5317K) operated by Wings Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Fairmont, MN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot attempting to land experienced a gust of wind that pushed the aircraft left of the runway, leading to a loss of control, stall, and collision. The pilot stated landing on Runway 02, but prop and skid marks indicated Runway 20.

Incident Summary

The accident occurred while a student pilot was attempting to land. Moments before the aircraft was to touch down on the runway, a gust of wind displaced the aircraft to the left of the runway. The pilot lost control of the aircraft, leading to an aerodynamic stall. The stalled aircraft then collided with the runway surface.

Environmental Factors

The wind at the time was recorded as blowing from the northeast at 11 knots, with gusting up to 16 knots.

Pilot Account vs. Evidence

According to the pilot, the landing was intended for Runway 02, which would require an approach from the southwest to the northeast. However, an assessment of the runway found prop and skid marks that were consistent with the aircraft having been landed on Runway 20, which is the reciprocal runway oriented to the southwest.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25901. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.