Casualties unknown

1988-11-06: Cessna 172RG (N9307D) — Aero Venture, Inc. — Robbinsville, NJ

Robbinsville, NJ, US

On November 6, 1988, a Cessna 172RG (registration N9307D) operated by Aero Venture, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Robbinsville, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ADEQUATELY CORRECT FOR THE CROSSWIND AND MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING A CROSSWIND LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 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 pilot practicing for her CFI rating miscalculated the crosswind component, leading to a gusty landing where the right main wheel went off the runway and struck signs and a weather box.

Incident Overview

The pilot, who was practicing for her Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating, operated the aircraft from the right seat. Before takeoff, she assessed the winds and calculated a crosswind component of 9-11 knots. She executed a go-around on her first approach due to unfavorable wind conditions.

Landing and Event

On the second approach, she applied crosswind correction. During the flare, a gust of wind affected the aircraft, resulting in a touchdown where the left main wheel contacted the runway while the right main wheel rolled onto the adjacent sod. The aircraft then continued to drift to the right, colliding with signs and a weather box.

Post-Accident Findings

After the accident, the pilot re-evaluated the winds and discovered her calculation error: the actual crosswind component was 16-22 knots. She stated that she would not have flown in the higher winds had she been aware of the miscalculation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27338. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.