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Student Pilot’s Landing Goes Awry After Wind Gust During Flare (N8714U)

Hurley, NM, US

On October 29, 1997, a Cessna 172F (registration N8714U) was involved in an aviation accident near Hurley, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions. Factors included the gusty crosswind conditions and inadequate supervision of the student pilot's solo flight by his flight instructor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A student pilot lost control during landing on runway 26 after a wind gust caused a right bank and drift from centerline; the aircraft contacted the ground with its right wing and then nose down.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was landing on runway 26 when a 'violent wind' forced the airplane into a right bank, causing it to drift slightly off the runway centerline. The pilot attempted to level the wings and correct the deviation using opposite rudder, but the airplane made ground contact with its right wing. Despite the pilot adding power, the airplane subsequently contacted the runway in a nose-down attitude.

Wind Conditions

At the time of the landing, the wind was reported from 290 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 19 knots. According to the Wind Component Graph, a 30-degree right quartering headwind of 13 to 19 knots corresponds to a crosswind component between 5 and 9 knots and a headwind component between 11 and 17 knots.

Aircraft and Manual Guidance

The aircraft involved was a 1965 Cessna 172F. The Owner's Manual states: 'The maximum allowable crosswind velocity is dependent upon pilot capability rather than airplane limitations. With average pilot technique, direct crosswinds of 15 MPH can be handled with safety.'

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Oct 1997 Cessna 172F accident near Hurley, NM?

A student pilot lost control during landing on runway 26 after a wind gust caused a right bank and drift from centerline; the aircraft contacted the ground with its right wing and then nose down.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Oct 1997 Cessna 172F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Oct 1997 involved a Cessna 172F, registration N8714U, at Hurley, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions. Factors included the gusty crosswind conditions and inadequate supervision of the student pilot's solo flight by his flight instructor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09027. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.