On May 28, 1991, a Cessna 172M (registration N9591V) operated by Nortawoods Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Cadillac, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed control during a turbulent approach in thunderstorm conditions, which resulted in an overrun of the runway and subsequent impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft carrying excessive airspeed to counter turbulence during a thunderstorm approach overran the runway, exited the departure end, and impacted trees.
What happened
The flight arrived at the destination airport while a thunderstorm was actively in progress. Weather conditions were severe, with winds reported gusting up to 43 knots. During the final approach phase, the pilot attempted to maintain excessive airspeed to counteract the turbulence associated with the storm.
Despite these efforts, the aircraft failed to stop within the available runway distance and overran the pavement upon landing. The aircraft continued past the end of the runway, exited the departure side, and subsequently impacted a line of trees.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed control during a turbulent approach in thunderstorm conditions, which resulted in an overrun of the runway and subsequent impact with terrain.
What happened in the 28 May 1991 Cessna 172M accident near Cadillac, MI?
An aircraft carrying excessive airspeed to counter turbulence during a thunderstorm approach overran the runway, exited the departure end, and impacted trees.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 May 1991 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N9591V, operated by Nortawoods Aviation, at Cadillac, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed control during a turbulent approach in thunderstorm conditions, which resulted in an overrun of the runway and subsequent impact with terrain.
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