Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Windshear During Low Pass, Aircraft Strikes Ground (N739GM)

ST Francis, ME, US

On May 22, 1992, a Cessna 172N (registration N739GM) operated by Mark T. Hafford was involved in an aviation accident near ST Francis, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. THE WIND CONDITION WAS A RELATED FACTOR. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performing a low pass over a private airstrip encountered windshear, causing the aircraft to nose down and strike the ground. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during a low pass over a private airstrip at an altitude of approximately 100 to 200 feet above ground level, the aircraft encountered windshear. The aircraft was configured with full flaps and an airspeed of about 55 to 60 knots. According to the pilot, the airplane nosed down and struck the ground despite his efforts to regain control.

Post-Impact Details

After impact, the aircraft came to rest after moving only about 5 feet. The pilot reported that the winds were at 22 knots, gusting to 30 knots, and that moderate turbulence was present. No mechanical malfunction was reported.

Conclusion

The pilot's report indicates that windshear and resulting loss of control were central to the event, though no official cause has been determined. The aircraft was damaged upon impact with terrain.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 May 1992 Cessna 172N accident near ST Francis, ME?

A pilot performing a low pass over a private airstrip encountered windshear, causing the aircraft to nose down and strike the ground. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 May 1992 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N739GM, operated by Mark T. Hafford, at ST Francis, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. THE WIND CONDITION WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14598. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.