On February 21, 1997, a Cessna 172N (registration N5552E) operated by Utah Valley Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Delta, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the prevailing wind conditions, and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot reported calm conditions before landing, but the airplane encountered a sudden gusty quartering tailwind on touchdown, veering off the runway and flipping over, damaging the nose gear and wing struts.
Incident Overview
A private pilot was landing at an airport after overflying the field and observing the windsock, as well as listening to the airport's recorded weather information. Both the windsock and the recorded weather indicated calm winds at the time.
Sequence of Events
Upon touchdown onto the runway, the airplane unexpectedly encountered a sudden, gusty, quartering tail wind. Despite the pilot's attempts to maintain directional control, the airplane veered off the east side of the runway and collided with a mound of dirt. The impact sheared off the nose gear and caused the airplane to flip over, resulting in damage to both wing struts.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
What happened in the 21 Feb 1997 Cessna 172N accident near Delta, UT?
A private pilot reported calm conditions before landing, but the airplane encountered a sudden gusty quartering tailwind on touchdown, veering off the runway and flipping over, damaging the nose gear and wing struts.
Were there any fatalities in the 21 Feb 1997 Cessna 172N accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Feb 1997 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N5552E, operated by Utah Valley Aviation, at Delta, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the prevailing wind conditions, and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Factors contributing to the accident are a sudden shift in the prevailing wind at the time of the landing, and the presence of a mound of dirt near the…
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