No fatalities

Wind Shear Encounter During Training Flight Leads to Nose-Over Landing (N738NC)

ST Matthews, SC, US

On March 31, 1997, a Cessna 172N (registration N738NC) was involved in an aviation accident near ST Matthews, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper decision to take off downwind with gusty wind conditions. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A CFI and a non-current pilot experienced wind shear during a soft field takeoff, leading to a forced landing in soft sand and a nose-over.

Incident Overview

A certified flight instructor (CFI) was providing instruction to a non-current pilot in soft field takeoff procedures. The flight departed from runway 14, which was the downwind runway. The CFI selected runway 14 because runway 32 was upslope and the trees adjacent to the runway offered protection from the wind.

Sequence of Events

After takeoff, as the airplane climbed above the trees on both sides of the runway, the CFI reported encountering wind shear. He stated that he could not fly out of the wind shear, and the airplane entered a left bank and began to descend. The CFI made the decision to land straight ahead in a field.

Landing and Outcome

The airplane touched down in soft sand. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over. The reported wind conditions at the time of the accident were from 300 degrees at 20 knots, with gusts to 27 knots.

Investigation Notes

The investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, date, or location. No injuries or damage items were reported beyond the nose-over.

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Mar 1997 Cessna 172N accident near ST Matthews, SC?

A CFI and a non-current pilot experienced wind shear during a soft field takeoff, leading to a forced landing in soft sand and a nose-over.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Mar 1997 Cessna 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Mar 1997 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N738NC, at ST Matthews, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper decision to take off downwind with gusty wind conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07603. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.