Casualties unknown

1992-09-27: Cessna 172N (N5222D) — The Pilot Center — Fort Collins, CO

Fort Collins, CO, US

On September 27, 1992, a Cessna 172N (registration N5222D) operated by The Pilot Center was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Collins, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. A FACTOR WAS: CROSSWIND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 13 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 student pilot's attempted landing was aborted after a wind gust caused the airplane to depart the runway. During the go-around, the left wingtip struck a tree branch and the right main landing gear hit a ditch, spinning the aircraft.

Incident Details

A student pilot was conducting a landing when a gust of wind caused the airplane to depart the left side of the runway during the flare. The pilot took action to abort the landing by closing the carburetor heat, applying full throttle, and beginning to retract the flaps.

Sequence of Events

As the airplane left the runway surface, the pilot observed a ditch ahead and attempted to avoid it. However, the left wingtip struck a tree branch, and the right main landing gear impacted the ditch, causing the airplane to spin around.

Weather Conditions

Winds at the time were reported gusting to 25 knots. No other weather information was provided.

Conclusion

The event involved a loss of directional control during landing due to a wind gust, followed by an unsuccessful go-around that resulted in contact with obstacles adjacent to the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15685. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.