No fatalities

Pilot Misjudges Landing Distance, Overruns Runway and Noses Over After Wind Misassessment (N738ET)

Joshua Tree, CA, US

On July 7, 1997, a Cessna 172N (registration N738ET) was involved in an aviation accident near Joshua Tree, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to adequately judge the wind direction and to select the correct runway, which resulted in a downwind landing; and his failure to go around, while there was sufficient runway remaining. The tailwind, fence, and ditch were related factors. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot who could not determine wind direction made a low pass but landed long, overran the runway, hit a fence and berm, and nosed over. Post-accident, he learned winds were actually a tailwind.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's report, during preparations for landing, he was unable to determine substantial wind by ground observation or from any effect on the aircraft's path over the terrain. He performed a low pass over runway 6 and observed the windsock indicating a moderate crosswind from the north.

Approach and Landing

Based on that observation, the pilot executed an approach. However, the landing was long and involved a slight bounce. The aircraft then overran the runway, collided with a fence and a berm, and subsequently nosed over.

Post-Accident Observations

After the accident, the pilot noted that the windsock now indicated a tailwind for landing on runway 6. He was also informed that the winds were from 240 degrees at approximately 12 knots at the time of the accident.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that he misjudged the stopping distance and failed to initiate a go-around.

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jul 1997 Cessna 172N accident near Joshua Tree, CA?

A pilot who could not determine wind direction made a low pass but landed long, overran the runway, hit a fence and berm, and nosed over. Post-accident, he learned winds were actually a tailwind.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Jul 1997 Cessna 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jul 1997 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N738ET, at Joshua Tree, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the pilot to adequately judge the wind direction and to select the correct runway, which resulted in a downwind landing; and his failure to go around, while there was sufficient runway remaining. The tailwind, fence, and ditch were related factors.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08425. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.