On May 4, 1997, a Cessna 172P (registration N53359) operated by David Shaw was involved in an aviation accident near Austin, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor was the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a short field landing approach with full flaps at 60 mph, gusty winds lifted the left wing, causing a roll. Despite applying full power, the airplane struck the ground short of the runway.
Accident Overview
A pilot was conducting a short field landing approach at an indicated airspeed of 60 mph with full flaps deployed. During the approach, gusty winds lifted the left wing, causing the airplane to roll left. The pilot responded by applying full power, but the airplane subsequently struck the ground.
Pilot Reports
The pilot of the accident airplane reported that the winds were from the northeast at 6 to 8 knots and the approach was made to runway 36. A separate pilot who was taxiing for departure observed the accident. This pilot reported that the airplane stalled and struck the ground in a nose-down and left-wing-down attitude short of the runway. The taxiing pilot characterized the winds as light and variable at less than 5 knots.
Wind Conditions
The accident pilot reported winds from the northeast at 6 to 8 knots. The taxiing pilot reported winds as light and variable at less than 5 knots.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 May 1997 Cessna 172P accident near Austin, TX?
During a short field landing approach with full flaps at 60 mph, gusty winds lifted the left wing, causing a roll. Despite applying full power, the airplane struck the ground short of the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 May 1997 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N53359, operated by David Shaw, at Austin, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor was the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions.
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