On March 5, 1989, a Cessna 172 (registration N5371D) was involved in an aviation accident near Cresco, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during rollout on a closed, icy runway due to a wind gust and crosswind conditions. 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 lost control during rollout on an icy, snow-covered runway closed by NOTAM due to a crosswind gust, resulting in a collision with a snow bank.
What happened
The pilot reported that he was conducting his second attempt to land on a runway covered with ice and snow. The facility had been officially closed for operations, as indicated by a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). During the rollout phase after touchdown, the pilot stated that a gust of wind blew the aircraft sideways, leading to a loss of control.
The aircraft spun approximately 180 degrees and subsequently collided with a snow bank. At the time of the accident, a right crosswind of 17 knots was present.
The investigation
No mechanical examination details were provided in the source text.
Findings
Loss of control during rollout on an icy, snow-covered runway.
The runway was closed by NOTAM.
A gust of wind contributed to the sideways movement.
Right crosswind of 17 knots existed at the time of the accident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during rollout on a closed, icy runway due to a wind gust and crosswind conditions.
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…