Casualties unknown

Aircraft Veers Left During Landing Roll, Strikes Brush and Embankment (N7815G)

Placerville, CA, US

On October 20, 1990, a Cessna 172L (registration N7815G) was involved in an aviation accident near Placerville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING THE LANDING ROLL. 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

During the landing roll, the aircraft suddenly veered left, exited the runway, and the left wing struck brush. The aircraft turned 90 degrees and stopped with the right wing contacting an embankment.

Incident Details

According to the pilot's statement, the approach and touchdown were normal. During the landing roll out, the aircraft suddenly veered to the left and ended up off the runway. While the pilot was attempting to control the aircraft, the left wing collided with some chaparral brush, causing the aircraft to pull further to the left. The aircraft turned 90 degrees and came to a stop, with the right wing contacting an embankment.

Sequence of Events

The incident began after a normal touchdown when the aircraft unexpectedly departed the runway surface. The pilot reported that the veer to the left was sudden. After exiting the runway, the left wing made contact with vegetation, which exacerbated the leftward movement. The aircraft eventually rotated perpendicular to its original direction and halted after the right wing struck the embankment.

Damage Assessment

The source does not specify the extent of damage to the aircraft. It notes only that the left wing struck brush and the right wing contacted an embankment. No other damage information is provided.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that the approach and touchdown were normal. No other comments from the pilot are recorded in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Oct 1990 Cessna 172L accident near Placerville, CA?

During the landing roll, the aircraft suddenly veered left, exited the runway, and the left wing struck brush. The aircraft turned 90 degrees and stopped with the right wing contacting an embankment.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Oct 1990 involved a Cessna 172L, registration N7815G, at Placerville, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING THE LANDING ROLL.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24493. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.