Casualties unknown

Gust of Wind Leads to Loss of Control on Landing (N1385U)

Tampa, FL, US

On April 5, 1997, a Cessna 172M (registration N1385U) was involved in an aviation accident near Tampa, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper compensation for wind conditions and failure to properly flare the airplane for landing. Factors relating to the accident were: the gusty/quartering wind conditions, and the pilot's improper use of flaps for landing. 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

While inbound to land, the pilot was advised of wind from 150° at 19 gusting 24 knots, continued, and was cleared to land on runway 18L. Crossing the threshold, a gust caused a right roll, balloon, stall, and impact with the runway.

Incident Overview

While inbound to land, the pilot was advised that the wind was from 150 degrees at 19 knots gusting to 24 knots. Despite the gusty conditions, the pilot continued the approach and was cleared to land on runway 18L. The pilot elected to land with the flaps fully extended.

Sequence of Events

As the airplane crossed over the runway threshold, it encountered a gust of wind. The airplane then rolled to the right, ballooned (rose abruptly), stalled, and subsequently impacted the runway nose and right wing low.

Key Details

The wind conditions were reported as 150 degrees at 19 knots gusting 24 knots. The landing runway was 18L. The landing was attempted with flaps fully extended. The encounter with a gust of wind occurred over the threshold, leading to a right roll, balloon, stall, and impact in a nose-low and right-wing-low attitude.

Outcome

The airplane impacted the runway with the nose and right wing low. No further information regarding injuries, damage, or subsequent events is available from the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Apr 1997 Cessna 172M accident near Tampa, FL?

While inbound to land, the pilot was advised of wind from 150° at 19 gusting 24 knots, continued, and was cleared to land on runway 18L. Crossing the threshold, a gust caused a right roll, balloon, stall, and impact with the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Apr 1997 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N1385U, at Tampa, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper compensation for wind conditions and failure to properly flare the airplane for landing. Factors relating to the accident were: the gusty/quartering wind conditions, and the pilot's improper use of flaps for landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07782. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.