On March 30, 1990, a Cessna 172M (registration N13685) operated by T.j. Martco was involved in an aviation accident near Groveland, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent raising of the left wing during the landing rollout, which resulted in a loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot practicing touch-and-go maneuvers inadvertently raised the left wing during rollout, causing the aircraft to exit the runway and collide with a ditch despite light winds.
What happened
The pilot was conducting practice touch-and-go takeoffs and landings on runway 27. During the rollout phase of the fourth landing attempt, the pilot inadvertently raised the left wing. This loss of directional control caused the aircraft to exit the right side of the runway surface.
Upon leaving the paved area, the aircraft collided with a ditch located adjacent to the runway. Environmental conditions at the time included light winds from the north.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the immediate circumstances surrounding the loss of directional control during the landing rollout. The primary finding was that the pilot inadvertently raised the left wing, which directly led to the departure from the runway and subsequent impact with the ditch.
Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent raising of the left wing during the landing rollout, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 30 Mar 1990 Cessna 172M accident near Groveland, CA?
A pilot practicing touch-and-go maneuvers inadvertently raised the left wing during rollout, causing the aircraft to exit the runway and collide with a ditch despite light winds.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Mar 1990 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N13685, operated by T.j. Martco, at Groveland, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadvertent raising of the left wing during the landing rollout, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
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