On November 18, 1989, a Cessna 172 (registration N20428) was involved in an aviation accident near Osage City, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT MISJUDGED DISTANCE AND ALTITUDE TO THE RUNWAY WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH TO LAND. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARK NIGHT AND STATIC WIRES. 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 night full-stop landing approach, a passenger who was also a private pilot shouted a warning and pulled back on the controls. The pilot applied full throttle, but the aircraft struck wires then terrain.
Flight Sequence
According to the pilot, he had just completed a night touch-and-go landing and was on final approach for a full-stop landing. The flight was in darkness, and the approach was being conducted visually.
Collision Details
During the final approach, a passenger who was also a private pilot shouted, "Watch the wires," and pulled back on the control wheel. The pilot responded by applying full throttle, but the aircraft was unable to avoid the wires. The aircraft collided with the wires and subsequently struck the terrain. The wires were located approximately one half mile from the approach end of the runway.
What happened in the 18 Nov 1989 Cessna 172 accident near Osage City, KS?
During a night full-stop landing approach, a passenger who was also a private pilot shouted a warning and pulled back on the controls. The pilot applied full throttle, but the aircraft struck wires then terrain.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Nov 1989 involved a Cessna 172, registration N20428, at Osage City, KS.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT MISJUDGED DISTANCE AND ALTITUDE TO THE RUNWAY WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH TO LAND. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARK NIGHT AND STATIC WIRES.
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