On June 28, 1991, a Cessna 172N (registration N6522D) operated by Stetson Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Punta Gorda, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO OBSERVE THE WINDSOCK BEFORE LANDING RESULTING IN FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AFTER LANDING WITH A QUARTERING TAILWIND. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A DITCH. 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 pilot landing at an airport was advised winds favored Runway 33 but did not check the windsock. After touchdown, the aircraft exited the runway into a ditch and nosed over.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during a landing at an airport, they were advised on the UNICOM frequency that the wind was favoring Runway 33. However, the pilot did not observe the windsock to verify this information. After touchdown during the landing roll, the aircraft traveled off the runway into a ditch and nosed over.
Post-Accident Observations
The pilot further stated that after the accident, they observed other airplanes landing on Runway 15. A thunderstorm with moderate rain showers was located 22 nautical miles south-southeast of the accident airport at the time of the incident.
What happened in the 28 Jun 1991 Cessna 172N accident near Punta Gorda, FL?
A pilot landing at an airport was advised winds favored Runway 33 but did not check the windsock. After touchdown, the aircraft exited the runway into a ditch and nosed over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Jun 1991 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N6522D, operated by Stetson Air, Inc., at Punta Gorda, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO OBSERVE THE WINDSOCK BEFORE LANDING RESULTING IN FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AFTER LANDING WITH A QUARTERING TAILWIND. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A DITCH. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE OF THE PILOT.
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