Casualties unknown

1992-10-07: Cessna 172N (N4874D) — Raleigh East Airport — Apex, NC

Apex, NC, US

On October 7, 1992, a Cessna 172N (registration N4874D) operated by Raleigh East Airport was involved in an aviation accident near Apex, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING AND HIS INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS, WHICH RESULTED IN THE OVERRUN OF THE RUNWAY. FACTORS WERE THE TAIL WIND CONDITIONS, AND THE DOWNHILL, GRASS RUNWAY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 11 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 commercial pilot aborted a landing on a private grass airstrip after determining insufficient runway remaining. The aircraft collided with a ditch and nosed over. Tailwinds and a downhill slope were noted.

Event Description

A commercial pilot was conducting landing operations at a private, grass airstrip. On the first approach, the pilot elected to go around because of crosswinds. A second approach was initiated with flaps set to 20 degrees. During the landing roll, the pilot assessed that there was insufficient runway remaining to bring the aircraft to a stop. The pilot then aborted the landing. The aircraft subsequently struck a ditch and nosed over.

Airfield Conditions

Immediately after the accident, an FAA inspector surveyed the site. The inspector noted that tailwinds were present on the runway that the pilot had selected for landing. Additionally, the airstrip, which is 2,200 feet long, had a downhill slope leading toward the area where the accident occurred.

Post-Accident Inspection

The aircraft's flight controls and wheel brakes were examined following the accident. The inspection revealed no evidence of any pre-existing malfunction or failure. The pilot also did not report any anomalies with the flight controls or brakes prior to or during the event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15809. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.