On July 15, 1997, a Cessna 172N (registration N737EV) was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeland, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing due to quartering tailwind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent collision with a ground object. 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.
A student pilot practicing landings on runway 09 encountered quartering tailwind gusts, resulting in the aircraft landing in grass and striking a runway sign.
What happened
The incident occurred while a student pilot was conducting practice landing maneuvers on runway 09. During the final approach phase, the aircraft encountered a quartering tailwind with a reported speed of 10 knots, which gusted up to 20 knots. These wind conditions caused the airplane to drift off the paved surface, resulting in a landing on the grass area to the left side of the runway.
Before coming to a complete stop, the aircraft struck a runway marking sign located near the edge of the pavement. The impact with the sign resulted in damage to the left horizontal stabilizer and the elevator. Wind reports indicated that the wind was blowing from 200 degrees at the time of the event.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing due to quartering tailwind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent collision with a ground object.
What happened in the 15 Jul 1997 Cessna 172N accident near Lakeland, FL?
A student pilot practicing landings on runway 09 encountered quartering tailwind gusts, resulting in the aircraft landing in grass and striking a runway sign.
Were there any fatalities in the 15 Jul 1997 Cessna 172N accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Jul 1997 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N737EV, at Lakeland, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing due to quartering tailwind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent collision with a ground object.
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