Casualties unknown

Pilot Attempts Go-Around After Wind Gust During Road Landing, Results in Collapse of Left Main Landing Gear (N9560H)

Bicknell, UT, US

On July 3, 1989, a Cessna 172M (registration N9560H) was involved in an aviation accident near Bicknell, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF AN UNSUITABLE AREA (TERRAIN) TO LAND, UNFAVORABLE WIND, & OBJECTS (FENCE & IRRIGATION SPRINKLER). This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A pilot landing on a rural road due to airsick passengers encountered a gust of wind from the right rear during flare, attempted a go-around, but the aircraft settled, collapsing the left main landing gear, departing the road, and striking a fence post and irrigation system.

Accident Overview

A private pilot and three passengers were on a cross-country flight when two passengers became airsick. The pilot decided to land on a paved rural road, heading north, with winds he estimated to be calm.

Landing and Go-Around Attempt

During the flare to land, approximately 25 feet above ground level, the airplane encountered a gust of wind from the right rear. In response, the pilot raised the flaps and attempted a go-around. However, the aircraft settled onto the road, contacting the surface with the left main landing gear first, which then collapsed.

Post-Impact Sequence

After the landing gear collapse, the airplane departed the road to the left, struck a fence post, and collided with an irrigation system in an adjacent field.

Witness Observations

Two witnesses located about half a mile away observed the accident but could not confirm the presence of any wind gusts.

Damage and Injuries

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. The source does not specify any injuries to the pilot or passengers.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Jul 1989 Cessna 172M accident near Bicknell, UT?

A pilot landing on a rural road due to airsick passengers encountered a gust of wind from the right rear during flare, attempted a go-around, but the aircraft settled, collapsing the left main landing gear, departing the road, and striking a fence post and irrigation system.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Jul 1989 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N9560H, at Bicknell, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF AN UNSUITABLE AREA (TERRAIN) TO LAND, UNFAVORABLE WIND, & OBJECTS (FENCE & IRRIGATION SPRINKLER).

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28800. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.