On April 22, 1997, a Cessna 172 (registration N5407R) was involved in an aviation accident near Ninilchik, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain altitude/clearance from a closed runway, while making a low pass, which resulted in an inadvertent touchdown. 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.
During a landing on a dirt runway marked with white X's, a gust of wind caused the pilot to correct, resulting in a main gear touchdown on soft surface and the airplane nosing over.
Incident Overview
An airplane nosed over after the main landing gear contacted the soft surface of a dirt runway during a landing attempt. The incident occurred at the end of a cross-country flight.
Sequence of Events
The pilot intended to land on a dirt runway. Upon arrival, he observed large white 'X' markings at both ends of the runway. He conducted a low pass to inspect the surface, noting several ruts. During the low pass, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left. The pilot corrected the drift to the right, and the airplane descended. The main landing gear inadvertently touched down on the soft runway surface at an estimated airspeed of 60 miles per hour. The airplane immediately nosed over.
Airport Information
The airport facility directory included a caution that the runway was extremely soft when wet and unusable during spring breakup. Safety areas at both ends of the runway were soft and rutted.
What happened in the 22 Apr 1997 Cessna 172 accident near Ninilchik, AK?
During a landing on a dirt runway marked with white X's, a gust of wind caused the pilot to correct, resulting in a main gear touchdown on soft surface and the airplane nosing over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Apr 1997 involved a Cessna 172, registration N5407R, at Ninilchik, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
failure of the pilot to maintain altitude/clearance from a closed runway, while making a low pass, which resulted in an inadvertent touchdown.
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