On March 2, 1994, a Cessna 172 (registration N733WS) operated by Avi Air Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Casper, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate control during the flare phase of a crosswind landing, which allowed the aircraft to drift off the runway side and strike ground objects. 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.
A private pilot flying from the right seat allowed an aircraft to drift off the runway side during flare in crosswinds, striking a sign and light after inadequate corrective action.
What happened
During an attempted landing operation characterized by crosswind conditions, the private pilot, who was occupying the right seat of the cockpit, permitted the aircraft to drift laterally away from the designated runway centerline. This deviation occurred specifically during the flare phase of the approach. The pilot initiated remedial actions in an effort to correct the aircraft's trajectory; however, these inputs were insufficient to regain control or align the aircraft with the runway surface.
As a result of the uncorrected drift, the aircraft impacted a runway designator sign and a runway light located on the pavement edge. The impact resulted in damage to both the ground infrastructure and the aircraft itself.
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate control during the flare phase of a crosswind landing, which allowed the aircraft to drift off the runway side and strike ground objects.
What happened in the 2 Mar 1994 Cessna 172 accident near Casper, WY?
A private pilot flying from the right seat allowed an aircraft to drift off the runway side during flare in crosswinds, striking a sign and light after inadequate corrective action.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Mar 1994 involved a Cessna 172, registration N733WS, operated by Avi Air Inc., at Casper, WY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate control during the flare phase of a crosswind landing, which allowed the aircraft to drift off the runway side and strike ground objects.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…