On July 16, 1990, a Cessna 172 (registration N46593) operated by Kirtland Afb Aero Club (usaf) was involved in an aviation accident near Grants, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control during the landing roll while attempting a go-around, which led to the aircraft departing the runway and nosing over. 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.
A private pilot lost control during the landing roll while attempting a go-around, causing the aircraft to depart the runway, enter loose sand, and nose over. The plane came to rest inverted with significant structural damage.
What happened
The accident occurred while the pilot was undergoing recurrent training for their private pilot certificate. During the landing roll, the pilot attempted to execute a go-around maneuver but lost control of the aircraft. The plane departed the paved runway surface and entered an area of loose sand. This interaction caused the nose gear to shear off, which subsequently damaged the firewall. The aircraft continued forward until it came to rest in an inverted position.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed extensive structural damage consistent with the described sequence of events. Both wings were damaged, as was the vertical stabilizer. The shearing of the nose gear during the departure from the runway resulted in significant damage to the firewall structure.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control during the landing roll while attempting a go-around, which led to the aircraft departing the runway and nosing over.
What happened in the 16 Jul 1990 Cessna 172 accident near Grants, NM?
A private pilot lost control during the landing roll while attempting a go-around, causing the aircraft to depart the runway, enter loose sand, and nose over. The plane came to rest inverted with significant structural damage.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Jul 1990 involved a Cessna 172, registration N46593, operated by Kirtland Afb Aero Club (usaf), at Grants, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's loss of control during the landing roll while attempting a go-around, which led to the aircraft departing the runway and nosing over.
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