Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Control During Landing Flare; Aircraft Hits Taxiway Markers and Lights (N54959)

Fayetteville, AR, US

On November 22, 1998, a Cessna 172P (registration N54959) operated by Robertson Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Fayetteville, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions resulting in a loss of directional control. A factor was the shifting and gusty wind conditions. 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.

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

During landing flare on runway 16, the pilot lost control after a wind shift and gust pushed the airplane left. The aircraft impacted a taxiway marker and light before the pilot could react.

Incident Overview

A pilot lost control of the aircraft during the landing flare while attempting to land on runway 16. According to the pilot, the wind had 'shifted and gusted,' pushing the airplane to the left side of the runway just prior to touchdown. The pilot reported that he did not have enough time to react before the aircraft impacted a taxiway marker and a taxiway light.

Wind Conditions

At the time of the accident, the reported winds were from 190 degrees at 16 knots. The pilot characterized the wind as having shifted and gusted, which contributed to the deviation from the runway centerline.

Sequence of Events

The landing flare is a critical phase where the pilot raises the nose to reduce descent rate just before touchdown. In this instance, the sudden wind shift and gust caused the aircraft to drift left. The pilot was unable to correct the deviation in time, resulting in the aircraft leaving the runway surface and striking ground infrastructure.

Outcome

The aircraft collided with a taxiway marker and a taxiway light. The source does not specify any further details regarding damage to the aircraft or injuries to occupants. No other information about the aircraft type, registration, operator, or location was provided in the source.

Pilot Report

The pilot's statement indicates that the wind conditions were unexpected and that the time available to react was insufficient. The pilot did not elaborate on any other factors that may have influenced the loss of control.

Conclusion

The incident highlights the challenges posed by gusty and shifting winds during the landing phase. The pilot lost control of the aircraft during the flare, leading to impact with airport fixtures. No probable cause is explicitly stated in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Nov 1998 Cessna 172P accident near Fayetteville, AR?

During landing flare on runway 16, the pilot lost control after a wind shift and gust pushed the airplane left. The aircraft impacted a taxiway marker and light before the pilot could react.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Nov 1998 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N54959, operated by Robertson Aviation, at Fayetteville, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions resulting in a loss of directional control. A factor was the shifting and gusty wind conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11430. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.