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Pilot Aborts Approach Due to Power Lines, Subsequently Impacts Dirt Levee (N735SW)

Port Sulphur, LA, US

On May 20, 1992, a Cessna 182Q (registration N735SW) operated by Mgm Aircraft, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Port Sulphur, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT PLANNED THE APPROACH WITH A TAILWIND AND DID NOT ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT. FACTORS WERE THE TAILWIND AND THE DELAYED ABORTED LANDING. 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

During a VFR approach, the pilot aborted due to power lines, then planned a long final and short field landing. The airplane landed long with a 15 knot tailwind and full flaps. The pilot retracted flaps and added full power with 400-500 feet of runway remaining, cleared a canal, but the gear impacted a dirt levee and the airplane came to rest inverted.

Approach and Landing

During a VFR approach and landing, the pilot aborted the approach because of power lines across the approach end of the runway. The pilot then entered a left downwind and planned for a long final approach and short field landing.

Landing Details

A witness reported that the airplane landed long with a 15 knot tailwind and full flaps. During the landing, with approximately 400 to 500 feet of runway remaining, the pilot retracted the flaps and added full power.

Accident Sequence

During the initial climb, the airplane cleared a canal at the departure end of the runway. However, the gear impacted a dirt levee and the airplane came to rest in an inverted position.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 May 1992 Cessna 182Q accident near Port Sulphur, LA?

During a VFR approach, the pilot aborted due to power lines, then planned a long final and short field landing. The airplane landed long with a 15 knot tailwind and full flaps. The pilot retracted flaps and added full power with 400-500 feet of runway remaining, cleared a canal, but the gear impacted a dirt levee and…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 May 1992 involved a Cessna 182Q, registration N735SW, operated by Mgm Aircraft, Inc., at Port Sulphur, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT PLANNED THE APPROACH WITH A TAILWIND AND DID NOT ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT. FACTORS WERE THE TAILWIND AND THE DELAYED ABORTED LANDING.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14656. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.