On March 16, 1989, a Cessna 172N (registration N73944) operated by Ostrom, Virginia E. was involved in an aviation accident near Swainsboro, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DECISION TO LAND AT AN UNLIGHTED AIRSTRIP IN LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS, AND HER SUBSEQUENT, INADVERTENT SELECTIONOF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN BORDERING THE RUNWAY. 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.
During a dusk landing attempt at an unlighted turf airstrip, a pilot touched down on plowed dirt adjacent to the runway, causing the aircraft to nose over during rollout. The pilot had no prior experience at the airstrip.
Incident Overview
A pilot attempting to land at an unlighted turf airstrip during dusk light conditions inadvertently touched down on a plowed dirt area bordering the runway. During the subsequent rollout, the airplane nosed over.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had no previous flight experience at the airstrip.
Airstrip Characteristics
Examination of aerial photographs of the airstrip revealed that the dirt area was approximately the same length and width as the runway. The dirt was lighter in color than both the runway and the surrounding terrain, causing it to stand out in contrast compared to the runway and other nearby surfaces.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was attempting to land at the unlighted, turf airstrip in dusk light conditions. The airplane touched down on plowed dirt bordering the runway and nosed over during rollout.
What happened in the 16 Mar 1989 Cessna 172N accident near Swainsboro, GA?
During a dusk landing attempt at an unlighted turf airstrip, a pilot touched down on plowed dirt adjacent to the runway, causing the aircraft to nose over during rollout. The pilot had no prior experience at the airstrip.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Mar 1989 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N73944, operated by Ostrom, Virginia E., at Swainsboro, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S DECISION TO LAND AT AN UNLIGHTED AIRSTRIP IN LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS, AND HER SUBSEQUENT, INADVERTENT SELECTIONOF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN BORDERING THE RUNWAY.
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…