Casualties unknown

1999-12-08: Cessna 172L (N7565G) — Wooster, OH

Wooster, OH, US

On December 8, 1999, a Cessna 172L (registration N7565G) was involved in an aviation accident near Wooster, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the pavement edge while back-taxiing on an unlit ramp in low-visibility conditions. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landed without incident but misjudged a turn while back-taxiing on an unlit ramp, causing the aircraft to leave the pavement and enter a ditch.

What happened

The flight proceeded normally until the final approach phase, where the crew noticed that the landing and taxi lights had failed. Despite this equipment deficiency, the pilot executed a standard touchdown and rollout on the runway. After vacating the active runway, the pilot directed the aircraft toward the parking ramp via a back-taxi maneuver.

The destination ramp lacked edge lighting, creating low-contrast conditions for ground navigation. While approaching the parking area, the pilot observed a jet already stationary on the ramp. To maintain safe separation from this parked aircraft, the pilot initiated a turn to align with an available parking spot. However, the pilot misjudged the geometry of the turn relative to the pavement edge.

As a result of this spatial error, the aircraft departed the paved surface and descended into a adjacent ditch. The impact caused damage to the lower fuselage and landing gear components, though no fire or secondary hazards occurred immediately following the incident.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the pavement edge while back-taxiing on an unlit ramp in low-visibility conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20306. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.