Casualties unknown

Airplane Departs Runway During Second Landing Attempt (N9821L)

Plainville, CT, US

On March 29, 1998, a Cessna 172P (registration N9821L) was involved in an aviation accident near Plainville, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate crosswind compensation. 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

During a second landing attempt on Runway 2, an airplane floated after touchdown, departed the runway, and struck a fence before coming to rest upright. The pilot applied full left aileron and full right rudder.

Incident Overview

On the pilot's second approach to Runway 2, the airplane was configured with 20 degrees of flaps and maintained an airspeed of 65 knots on final. After touchdown, the airplane briefly floated approximately 3 feet above the runway surface. The pilot then allowed the airplane to settle back onto the runway while simultaneously applying full left aileron and full right rudder.

Runway Excursion

The airplane subsequently departed the runway, with the nose oriented slightly to the right of the centerline. It continued down a 60-degree embankment, colliding with a chain link fence before coming to rest in an upright position.

Pilot Actions

The pilot's inputs during the landing included full left aileron and full right rudder as the airplane settled. No further details regarding the flight or environmental conditions were provided in the source material.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Mar 1998 Cessna 172P accident near Plainville, CT?

During a second landing attempt on Runway 2, an airplane floated after touchdown, departed the runway, and struck a fence before coming to rest upright. The pilot applied full left aileron and full right rudder.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Mar 1998 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N9821L, at Plainville, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate crosswind compensation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09766. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.