On August 2, 1994, a Cessna 172 (registration N35790) operated by Albert Lea Aircraft, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Aberdeen, SD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A related factor is the dark night conditions. 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.
During a night landing in dark conditions, the aircraft veered off the right side of the runway, struck a runway light, then veered back and stopped with the nosewheel collapsed. Postaccident inspection found no evidence of a tire blowout or preimpact malfunction.
Event Details
The pilot reported that the approach to landing appeared normal. Upon touchdown, the aircraft unexpectedly veered off the right side of the runway and collided with a runway light. The pilot then applied full left aileron and full flare in an attempt to regain directional control. The aircraft veered back onto the runway and came to rest in the middle, with the nosewheel collapsed.
Pilot Actions
The pilot stated that he initially believed a tire had blown, leading to the loss of control. He described the light conditions as dark night at the time of the accident, which occurred at 0025 local time.
Postaccident Investigation
A postaccident investigation revealed no evidence of a tire blowout or any preimpact malfunction. The aircraft's systems and components showed no signs of failure prior to the incident.
What happened in the 2 Aug 1994 Cessna 172 accident near Aberdeen, SD?
During a night landing in dark conditions, the aircraft veered off the right side of the runway, struck a runway light, then veered back and stopped with the nosewheel collapsed. Postaccident inspection found no evidence of a tire blowout or preimpact malfunction.
Were there any fatalities in the 2 Aug 1994 Cessna 172 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Aug 1994 involved a Cessna 172, registration N35790, operated by Albert Lea Aircraft, Inc., at Aberdeen, SD.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A related factor is the dark night conditions.
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