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Runway Light Strike During Touch and Go Landing in Crosswind Conditions (N80893)

Boulder, CO, US

On June 20, 1989, a Cessna 172M (registration N80893) operated by Dakota Ridge Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Boulder, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS BY THE (PRIVATE RATED) DUAL STUDENT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT GROUND SWERVE, AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI). This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a familiarization flight, a CFI and private student experienced a runway excursion after the aircraft angled left on touchdown, striking a runway light with the horizontal stabilizer and sustaining substantial damage.

Incident Summary

A flight instructor (CFI) and a private-rated dual student were conducting a familiarization flight at an airport. The purpose of the flight was to provide the student with experience in touch and go landings. The CFI reported that the student performed several touch and go landings on Runway 26L. The wind conditions were estimated by the CFI as from 270 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots.

Sequence of Events

During the final touchdown of the last landing, the CFI noted that the aircraft was angled to the left. The airplane subsequently departed the runway to the left side. As it left the paved surface, the horizontal stabilizer came into contact with a runway light. The impact resulted in damage to the stabilizer.

Damage

The contact with the runway light caused substantial damage to the aircraft. The specific extent of the damage was not further detailed, but it was sufficient to classify the event as an accident with substantial damage. No injuries were reported in the source.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Jun 1989 Cessna 172M accident near Boulder, CO?

During a familiarization flight, a CFI and private student experienced a runway excursion after the aircraft angled left on touchdown, striking a runway light with the horizontal stabilizer and sustaining substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Jun 1989 Cessna 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Jun 1989 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N80893, operated by Dakota Ridge Aviation, at Boulder, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS BY THE (PRIVATE RATED) DUAL STUDENT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT GROUND SWERVE, AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI). A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITON.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28558. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.