On April 12, 1992, a Cessna 172M (registration N6934H) operated by John Wells was involved in an aviation accident near Stuttgart, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing flare due to turbulence and a downdraft, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent nose gear collapse. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot encountered turbulence and a downdraft on short final, resulting in a hard landing that collapsed the nose gear and caused the airplane to nosed over.
What happened
Witnesses observed wind conditions characterized by a crosswind estimated between 30 and 45 degrees at speeds of 18 to 20 knots. As the aircraft approached the runway on short final, the pilot encountered significant turbulence. Additionally, a downdraft was generated by a large hangar situated on the right side of the intended touchdown point.
Despite these adverse conditions, the pilot continued the approach. The landing resulted in a hard impact that caused the nose gear to collapse. Following the collapse of the landing gear, the airplane nosed over.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing flare due to turbulence and a downdraft, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent nose gear collapse.
What happened in the 12 Apr 1992 Cessna 172M accident near Stuttgart, AR?
A pilot encountered turbulence and a downdraft on short final, resulting in a hard landing that collapsed the nose gear and caused the airplane to nosed over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Apr 1992 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N6934H, operated by John Wells, at Stuttgart, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing flare due to turbulence and a downdraft, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent nose gear collapse.
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