Casualties unknown

1999-12-12: Cessna 172N (N739ST) — Springhill, LA

Springhill, LA, US

On December 12, 1999, a Cessna 172N (registration N739ST) was involved in an aviation accident near Springhill, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to compensate for gusty wind conditions and lost control of the airplane. 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

A pilot lost control of his airplane while flying over his property in gusty wind conditions, impacting trees and terrain. The pilot reported misjudging the wind severity.

Incident Overview

During a local flight over his property, a pilot experienced a loss of control due to gusty wind conditions, resulting in the airplane impacting trees and terrain. The pilot reported that he was flying at 800 feet above mean sea level (msl) at an airspeed of 70 knots with 10 degrees of flaps extended. While making a left turn to the north, the wind lifted the right wing tip upward. The pilot responded by pushing forward on the yoke, leveling the wings, and applying full power. The airplane descended through 500 feet msl, and the pilot felt as if the airplane was being pushed to the ground. Subsequently, the airplane struck trees and terrain.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that he did not obtain additional weather information beyond his own observation prior to the flight. He acknowledged underestimating the severity of the wind conditions. The pilot's actions during the maneuver were described as attempting to counter the unexpected lift of the right wing.

Weather Conditions

Weather observation facilities in the local area reported heavy rain showers and winds gusting to 32 knots. The pilot's pre-flight assessment did not include consultation of these reports.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to compensate for gusty wind conditions and lost control of the airplane.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20238. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.