Casualties unknown

Gust of Wind Causes Loss of Control on Landing, Aircraft Crashes on Runway (N84461)

Everglades City, FL, US

On March 4, 1991, a Cessna 172K (registration N84461) operated by Vera, Pedro J was involved in an aviation accident near Everglades City, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INFORMATION GIVEN DURING A WEATHER BRIEFING WAS DISREGARDED, IN-FLIGHT ENCOUNTER WITH WIND GUST, AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO EXECUTE A GO-AROUND. 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

A pilot, after observing a calm windsock, attempted landing on Runway 33. A gust raised the left wing; despite correction, the aircraft descended and crashed on the runway. A witness estimated winds from the west gusting to 30 knots. Trees were found to block the windsock.

Flight Preparation

The pilot obtained a weather briefing and was advised that wind at a nearby airport was gusting to 22 knots from 300 degrees. Prior to landing, the pilot overflew the airport to observe the windsock, which indicated light wind from the north.

Landing Attempt

Based on the windsock observation, the pilot entered the traffic pattern to land on Runway 33. While on short final approach, a gust of wind raised the left wing. The pilot attempted to correct the roll, but the aircraft descended and subsequently crashed on the runway.

Accident Witness

A sheriff's deputy who witnessed the accident estimated that the wind was from the west gusting to 30 knots at the time of the event.

Airport Layout

A review of the airport layout revealed that trees obstruct the windsock, potentially affecting its accuracy in indicating actual wind conditions.

No further details regarding aircraft type, registration, injuries, or damage were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Mar 1991 Cessna 172K accident near Everglades City, FL?

A pilot, after observing a calm windsock, attempted landing on Runway 33. A gust raised the left wing; despite correction, the aircraft descended and crashed on the runway. A witness estimated winds from the west gusting to 30 knots. Trees were found to block the windsock.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Mar 1991 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N84461, operated by Vera, Pedro J, at Everglades City, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

INFORMATION GIVEN DURING A WEATHER BRIEFING WAS DISREGARDED, IN-FLIGHT ENCOUNTER WITH WIND GUST, AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO EXECUTE A GO-AROUND. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS INADEQUATE PLACEMENT OF A WINDSOCK WHICH WAS BLOCKED BY TREES RESULTING IN AN INCORRECT INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION AND VELOCITY OF THE WIND.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16653. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.