Casualties unknown

1999-11-15: Cessna 172N (N738NL) — Hopedale, MA

Hopedale, MA, US

On November 15, 1999, a Cessna 172N (registration N738NL) was involved in an aviation accident near Hopedale, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: was the student pilot's improper flare that resulted in a bounced landing and the flight instructor's delay in taking remedial action. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a crosswind landing with a 50-degree left crosswind of 12-21 knots, the airplane bounced, turned into the wind, and departed the runway. The instructor took control but could not prevent the airplane from crossing a fence line and nosing over.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was returning to the home airport accompanied by a flight instructor. The objective was to complete a landing in challenging wind conditions.

Landing Attempt

The student attempted to land the airplane with a left crosswind of 50 degrees. The reported wind speed was between 12 and 21 knots. During the landing flare, the airplane bounced upon contact with the runway surface.

Loss of Control

Following the bounce, the airplane turned into the direction of the wind. This maneuver caused the airplane to depart the left side of the runway. The flight instructor recognized the situation and assumed command of the flight controls.

Final Event

Despite the instructor's efforts, the airplane could not be recovered before it crossed a fence line that ran parallel to the runway. Subsequently, the airplane struck the ground and nosed over. The sequence of events concluded with the airplane coming to rest in an inverted position.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20112. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.