On April 26, 1996, a Cessna 172N (registration N75839) operated by Mile High Aviation Svc, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Broomfield, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to obtain/maintain directional control. A factor was the cross wind. 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.
An airplane on approach to runway 11L touched down with a side load, departed the left side of the runway onto a high-speed turnoff, crossed a parallel taxiway, and struck a taxiway sign, collapsing the nose landing gear.
Event Description
The airplane was on a downwind leg for runway 11L when the control tower operator informed the pilot that the wind velocity had increased to 15 knots. During the final approach, the pilot was advised that the wind velocity had dropped to 5 knots. The pilot reported that the airplane was then positioned to the left of the runway centerline, and he maneuvered to correct the alignment.
As the airplane touched down, it experienced a side load because the nose was not aligned with the runway direction. Subsequently, the airplane departed the left side of the runway onto a high-speed turnoff. It then crossed a parallel taxiway and struck a taxiway sign. The impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse, and the airplane came to a stop on the parking ramp.
Weather Conditions
The wind at the time was reported as from 070 degrees at 10 knots, with gusts to 16 knots.
What happened in the 26 Apr 1996 Cessna 172N accident near Broomfield, CO?
An airplane on approach to runway 11L touched down with a side load, departed the left side of the runway onto a high-speed turnoff, crossed a parallel taxiway, and struck a taxiway sign, collapsing the nose landing gear.
Were there any fatalities in the 26 Apr 1996 Cessna 172N accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Apr 1996 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N75839, operated by Mile High Aviation Svc, Inc., at Broomfield, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the student pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to obtain/maintain directional control. A factor was the cross wind.
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