Casualties unknown

Pilot States Crosswind Gusts Led to Collision with Trailer During Go-Around (N73405)

Scottsdale, AZ, US

On April 11, 1998, a Cessna 172M (registration N73405) was involved in an aviation accident near Scottsdale, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his inadequate compensation for the wind condition. A contributing factor was the crosswind. 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 pilot reported that after a bounced landing, strong crosswind gusts pushed the airplane sideways. During the go-around, a second gust forced the airplane toward a steel tower; the pilot banked right and struck an unoccupied construction trailer. The crosswind component was 19 knots, 4 knots above the Cessna 172 limit.

Event Details

According to the pilot's account, the landing began with an initial touchdown, after which the airplane bounced back into the air. At that moment, a strong gust of wind pushed the airplane sideways. The pilot then initiated a go-around maneuver. However, a second gust of wind pushed the airplane toward a nearby steel tower. To avoid the tower, the pilot banked the airplane to the right. This evasive action caused the airplane to fly into an unoccupied construction trailer.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the crosswind component at the time of landing was approximately 19 knots for the runway being used. This value is 4 knots above the maximum crosswind component specified by Cessna Aircraft Company for the model 172. The pilot's account did not specify whether any injuries occurred or the extent of damage to the airplane or trailer.

Crosswind Conditions

The crosswind component exceeded the published limitations for the Cessna 172 by a notable margin. The gusty conditions were described as strong, with the first gust causing a sideways push after the bounce and the second gust steering the airplane toward the tower. The pilot's decision to bank right to miss the tower resulted in the collision with the trailer.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Apr 1998 Cessna 172M accident near Scottsdale, AZ?

A pilot reported that after a bounced landing, strong crosswind gusts pushed the airplane sideways. During the go-around, a second gust forced the airplane toward a steel tower; the pilot banked right and struck an unoccupied construction trailer. The crosswind component was 19 knots, 4 knots above the Cessna 172…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Apr 1998 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N73405, at Scottsdale, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his inadequate compensation for the wind condition. A contributing factor was the crosswind.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09888. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.