On June 24, 1998, a Cessna 172 (registration N6640H) was involved in an aviation accident near Westminster, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed during the approach/landing, and his delay in initiating a go-around. The quartering tailwind was a related factor. 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 became disoriented while returning to home base, requested radar vectors from Baltimore Approach Control, landed on a short runway, and nosed over during a go-around attempt.
Incident Overview
A student pilot, returning to his home base, experienced spatial disorientation and requested navigation assistance from Baltimore Approach Control. Controllers provided radar vectors to an airport, where the pilot conducted a landing on runway 13. The winds at the time were from 270 degrees at 12 knots.
Landing and Go-Around
After touchdown, the pilot recognized that the airport had a short runway and that his aircraft was not configured for a short-field landing. He initiated a go-around, but the airplane failed to climb. The aircraft subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted.
What happened in the 24 Jun 1998 Cessna 172 accident near Westminster, MD?
A student pilot became disoriented while returning to home base, requested radar vectors from Baltimore Approach Control, landed on a short runway, and nosed over during a go-around attempt.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Jun 1998 involved a Cessna 172, registration N6640H, at Westminster, MD.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed during the approach/landing, and his delay in initiating a go-around. The quartering tailwind was a related factor.
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