Casualties unknown

Pilot Lands Downwind Without Runway Lights, Aircraft Strikes Tree (N5190V)

Key Largo, FL, US

On November 18, 1992, a Cessna 172RG (registration N5190V) operated by Suncoast Flying Services, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Key Largo, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT ON LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S IMPROPER PREFLIGHT PLANNING PREPARATION AND SELECTION OF THE WRONG RUNWAY RELATIVE TO THE WIND. 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 commercial pilot landed downwind and long without runway lights after reversing landing direction; the airplane ran off the runway, crossed a service road, and collided with a tree, separating the right wing.

Incident Overview

A commercial pilot conducted a flight to a destination airport. During the approach, the pilot attempted to contact the airport via UNICOM radio but received no response. The pilot then performed a low approach to Runway 04. Subsequently, the pilot reversed the landing direction to Runway 22 without obtaining surface wind information.

Landing and Outcome

The pilot landed the airplane downwind and long, without the assistance of runway lights. The airplane overran the end of the runway, crossed a service road, and collided with a tree. The impact separated the right wing from the airplane.

Operational Details

The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, number of occupants, injuries, damage items, time of day, weather conditions, or whether air traffic control was involved. No factual basis exists in the source to describe the accident as fatal or deadly.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Nov 1992 Cessna 172RG accident near Key Largo, FL?

A commercial pilot landed downwind and long without runway lights after reversing landing direction; the airplane ran off the runway, crossed a service road, and collided with a tree, separating the right wing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Nov 1992 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N5190V, operated by Suncoast Flying Services, Inc., at Key Largo, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT ON LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S IMPROPER PREFLIGHT PLANNING PREPARATION AND SELECTION OF THE WRONG RUNWAY RELATIVE TO THE WIND.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16087. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.