Casualties unknown

Runway Excursion After Bounced Landing in Strong Crosswind (N172VB)

ST Johns, AZ, US

On April 11, 1996, a Cessna 402C (registration N172VB) was involved in an aviation accident near ST Johns, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, his use of an overly excessive approach speed, and his misjudged distance/altitude relationship to the runway. The wind was a factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot added 15 knots to final approach speed to compensate for gusty crosswinds. After a bounced landing, the aircraft touched down again and overran the runway due to insufficient remaining distance.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducted an approach to a runway in challenging wind conditions. The automated weather observing system recorded winds from 260 degrees at 33 knots, gusting to 45 knots. To mitigate the gust spread and crosswind, the pilot increased the final approach speed by 15 knots above the normal reference speed. The pilot used the Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) system as a glide path reference during the descent.

Landing and Runway Excursion

After touchdown, the airplane bounced and floated, then touched down again in the middle third of the 5,323-foot runway. The pilot did not notice how much runway remained. Following the second touchdown, the aircraft cleared a slight rise, at which point the pilot saw the departure end of the runway and realized there was insufficient runway remaining to either stop the airplane or execute a go-around. Subsequently, the airplane ran off the end of the runway.

Conditions and Pilot Actions

The strong and gusty crosswind conditions were recorded by the AWOS. The pilot's decision to increase approach speed by 15 knots was intended to compensate for these conditions. The landing was characterized by a bounce and a subsequent touchdown well down the runway, leaving inadequate distance for a safe stop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05625. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.