Casualties unknown

1997-04-24: Cessna 172N (N733PM) — Sunbird Flight Services — Chandler, AZ

Chandler, AZ, US

On April 24, 1997, a Cessna 172N (registration N733PM) operated by Sunbird Flight Services was involved in an aviation accident near Chandler, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of directional control due to a wind gust. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost directional control during the landing roll after a wind gust. The right wing hit runway lights, both wings struck the runway, and the aircraft veered into soft dirt, collapsing the nose gear.

Accident Sequence

The pilot reported losing directional control of the aircraft during the landing roll following a wind gust. Subsequently, the right wing impacted runway lights, and both wings struck the runway surface. The aircraft then departed the runway into soft dirt, causing the nose gear to collapse.

Weather Conditions

A special weather observation taken just after the accident reported surface winds from 260 degrees at 15 knots with gusts to 25 knots. Immediately before the accident, winds were reported from 280 degrees at 18 knots with gusts to 25 knots.

Crosswind Analysis

According to the manufacturer's demonstrated crosswind component information, at the time of the accident, the wind exceeded the aircraft's demonstrated crosswind capability by as much as 7 knots, or 46 percent.

Probable cause

Loss of directional control due to a wind gust.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07760. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.