Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Control During Crosswind Go-Around, Noses Over After Hitting Dirt Bank (N4732N)

Cleburne, TX, US

On January 4, 1997, a Cessna 182Q (registration N4732N) operated by Civil Air Patrol, Texas Wing was involved in an aviation accident near Cleburne, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors relating to the accident were: the crosswind, and the dirt bank which was parallel to the runway. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a full flap landing with a gusting crosswind, the pilot lost control on short final. After attempting a go-around, the airplane touched down, hit a dirt bank beside the runway, and nosed over.

Incident Overview

The pilot was conducting a full flap landing on runway 33 with a crosswind from 250 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 15 knots. On short final, the pilot became aware of the crosswind and a high sink rate. At approximately 10 feet above the ground, the pilot reported experiencing instability and applied full power for a go-around.

Sequence of Events

The pilot stated that the airplane touched down, and he was unable to maintain aircraft control over the runway and climb. Witnesses reported hearing the airplane at full power before it struck a dirt bank beside the runway, where the terrain rose abruptly. The airplane subsequently nosed over.

Pilot Operating Handbook Guidance

The airplane's Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) specified that in a balked landing (go-around), the wing flap setting should be reduced to 20 degrees immediately after full power is applied. Additionally, the POH stated that the maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity for this airplane was 15 knots.

Additional Information

No further details about the aircraft type, registration, injuries, or damage were provided in the source. The investigation did not state a probable cause for the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jan 1997 Cessna 182Q accident near Cleburne, TX?

During a full flap landing with a gusting crosswind, the pilot lost control on short final. After attempting a go-around, the airplane touched down, hit a dirt bank beside the runway, and nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jan 1997 involved a Cessna 182Q, registration N4732N, operated by Civil Air Patrol, Texas Wing, at Cleburne, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors relating to the accident were: the crosswind, and the dirt bank which was parallel to the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07300. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.