On May 16, 1997, a Cessna 172N (registration N738LM) was involved in an aviation accident near Madison, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions which resulted in a loss of directional control of the airplane. Factors associated with the accident were the gusty, crosswind conditions and the VASI lights. 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 landing on runway 18, the aircraft bounced, veered left off the runway, and struck VASI lights. Winds were from 200° at 14 knots, gusting to 18 knots later.
Accident Details
The pilot was landing on runway 18 when the accident occurred. He reported that prior to landing, the ATIS indicated winds from 200 degrees at 14 knots. During the landing, the airplane bounced, and the pilot added power to recover. The airplane then drifted to the left of the runway, where it touched down again. It continued moving left, departed the side of the runway, traveled through the grass, and eventually contacted the VASI lights.
Weather Conditions
A local weather observation taken 20 minutes after the accident reported winds from 200 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 18 knots.
What happened in the 16 May 1997 Cessna 172N accident near Madison, WI?
During landing on runway 18, the aircraft bounced, veered left off the runway, and struck VASI lights. Winds were from 200° at 14 knots, gusting to 18 knots later.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 May 1997 Cessna 172N accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 May 1997 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N738LM, at Madison, WI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions which resulted in a loss of directional control of the airplane. Factors associated with the accident were the gusty, crosswind conditions and the VASI lights.
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