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Casualties unknown

Stall during approach at Andover after turbulence encounter (N8213L)

Andover, NJ, US

On March 18, 1990, a Cessna 172H (registration N8213L) was involved in an aviation accident near Andover, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a turbulent approach, which resulted in a stall and subsequent runway impact. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted to land at Andover for refueling but encountered turbulence. Despite applying full power, a high sink rate prevented stall recovery, resulting in a runway impact with the left wing.

What happened

The flight proceeded for approximately 40 minutes before the pilot elected to divert to Andover to refuel. During the final approach phase, the aircraft encountered significant turbulence. In response to the conditions and a high sink rate, the pilot applied full power. However, the combination of factors made stall recovery impossible. The aircraft subsequently impacted the runway surface with its left wing. Despite the impact, the pilot successfully avoided colliding with parked aircraft on the ground. The airplane ultimately touched down on all three wheels.

The investigation

The factual narrative indicates that the primary mechanical event was a loss of controlled flight due to an unrecoverable stall during the approach. The application of full power did not prevent the impact, suggesting that altitude or airspeed margins were insufficient for recovery given the turbulence and sink rate conditions.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a turbulent approach, which resulted in a stall and subsequent runway impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Mar 1990 Cessna 172H accident near Andover, NJ?

A pilot attempted to land at Andover for refueling but encountered turbulence. Despite applying full power, a high sink rate prevented stall recovery, resulting in a runway impact with the left wing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Mar 1990 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N8213L, at Andover, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a turbulent approach, which resulted in a stall and subsequent runway impact.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22808. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.