Casualties unknown

1992-07-03: Cessna 172G (N4417L) — Fallon Airmotive — Tonopah, NV

Tonopah, NV, US

On July 3, 1992, a Cessna 172G (registration N4417L) operated by Fallon Airmotive was involved in an aviation accident near Tonopah, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ADEQUATELY IDENTIFY AND COMPENSATE FOR THE EXISTING TAILWIND CONDITIONS, AND, HIS FAILURE TO INITIATE A GO AROUND WHEN HE BECAME AWARE OF BEING HIGH WITH A FAST GROUND SPEED. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot planning to survey farmland landed with an estimated 10-knot tailwind, resulting in a collision with a power pole after failing to stop within the field.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot, he intended to land in a farm field to survey the land before bidding on a grain harvesting job. He reported that upon arriving in the area, he overflew the selected field multiple times, searching for obstructions and any indication of wind direction. The pilot stated that he found no means to identify the wind direction or speed and estimated it to be calm or nearly so.

Approach and Landing

During the final approach to the field, the pilot observed that the airplane was high and had an apparent fast ground speed. Despite this, he chose not to perform a go-around. After touchdown, the aircraft was unable to stop before reaching the end of the field and collided with a power pole and rough terrain.

Post-Accident Observations

The pilot stated that after the accident, he realized he had landed with a tailwind, which he estimated to be about 10 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15185. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.