On August 25, 1994, a Cessna 172 (registration N9447E) operated by Sundance Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeport, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing cross wind conditions, and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing rollout. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot, certificated four months earlier, lost directional control during rollout after landing on Runway 28 in crosswinds, causing the airplane to veer off the runway into a ditch.
Accident Details
The accident took place at the end of a cross-country flight. The pilot conducted a standard traffic pattern and landed on Runway 28. The aircraft touched down within the initial one-third of the available runway length. As the airplane decelerated during the landing roll, it encountered winds from a direction between 180 and 270 degrees at speeds ranging from 10 to 25 knots. These wind conditions were reported by the pilot.
Pilot Actions and Outcome
The pilot stated that despite her full efforts to maintain directional control, she was unable to keep the airplane aligned with the runway centerline. Consequently, control was lost. The airplane departed the runway surface and entered a ditch adjacent to the runway. The ditch caused the airplane to come to a stop.
Pilot Certification
The pilot had been issued a private pilot certificate four months prior to the accident. The certificate was valid at the time of the flight.
What happened in the 25 Aug 1994 Cessna 172 accident near Lakeport, CA?
A private pilot, certificated four months earlier, lost directional control during rollout after landing on Runway 28 in crosswinds, causing the airplane to veer off the runway into a ditch.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Aug 1994 involved a Cessna 172, registration N9447E, operated by Sundance Flying Club, at Lakeport, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing cross wind conditions, and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing rollout.
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