On July 18, 1995, a Cessna 172N (registration N4915D) operated by Bridgeford Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Napa, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft after one foot slipped off the rudder pedals, and his inadvertent application of asymmetrical brake forces. 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 pilot reported that after touchdown, a gust of wind caused the aircraft to swerve. The pilot's foot slipped off the rudder pedal during correction, leading to loss of directional control and a veer off the runway into soft soil, collapsing the nose gear.
Accident Details
After landing, a gust of wind caused the aircraft to swerve on the runway. The pilot reported losing directional control when one foot slipped off the rudder pedal while he was attempting to correct the aircraft's heading.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that as the aircraft veered left off the runway, it encountered soft soil, which collapsed the nose gear. He believes that when his foot slipped off the rudder pedal, he may have inadvertently touched one brake, which made the swerve worse.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the firewall and the right wing spar.
What happened in the 18 Jul 1995 Cessna 172N accident near Napa, CA?
A pilot reported that after touchdown, a gust of wind caused the aircraft to swerve. The pilot's foot slipped off the rudder pedal during correction, leading to loss of directional control and a veer off the runway into soft soil, collapsing the nose gear.
Were there any fatalities in the 18 Jul 1995 Cessna 172N accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Jul 1995 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N4915D, operated by Bridgeford Flying Service, at Napa, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft after one foot slipped off the rudder pedals, and his inadvertent application of asymmetrical brake forces.
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