No fatalities

Airplane Strikes Rock After Veering Off Runway During Second Approach (N64182)

Burlington, CT, US

On April 6, 1991, a Cessna 172P (registration N64182) operated by Interstate Aviation Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Burlington, CT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS BY THE PILOT, HIS LACK OF RECENT EXPERIENCE AND TOTAL TIME, AND THE CROSSWIND. 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 returning from a short cross-country flight made a go-around on the first approach, then veered off the runway on the second approach, striking a rock with the right landing gear, which collapsed and the airplane came to rest on its right wing.

Flight Details

The pilot was returning from a short cross-country flight. On the first approach to Runway 01, he initiated a go-around because he stated he "turned in too close."

Approach and Landing

On the second approach, the pilot touched down on the approach end of the runway. The airplane then veered off the runway to the right. The pilot applied power for a go-around but subsequently closed the throttle. The airplane struck a rock with the right landing gear. The landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to a stop on its right wing.

Pilot Information

The pilot had a total flight time of 113 hours, with 20 hours in the preceding six months. Prior to that period, he had gone four years with no flying.

Weather Conditions

The winds were reported from the west at 5 to 10 knots with gusts to 15 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Apr 1991 Cessna 172P accident near Burlington, CT?

A pilot returning from a short cross-country flight made a go-around on the first approach, then veered off the runway on the second approach, striking a rock with the right landing gear, which collapsed and the airplane came to rest on its right wing.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Apr 1991 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Apr 1991 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N64182, operated by Interstate Aviation Inc., at Burlington, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS BY THE PILOT, HIS LACK OF RECENT EXPERIENCE AND TOTAL TIME, AND THE CROSSWIND.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16863. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.