Casualties unknown

Pilot Returns Due to Drizzle, Overruns Runway After Reported Wind Shear (N738CG)

North Adams, MA, US

On April 6, 2000, a Cessna 172 (registration N738CG) was involved in an aviation accident near North Adams, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point. A factor was a tailwind. 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

A pilot returned to the airport after encountering drizzle, then experienced wind shear on approach. The aircraft touched down long and overran the runway into a fence.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducting a local flight observed drizzle shortly after departure and decided to return to the airport for landing. During the approach, the pilot reported encountering wind shear. Weather data later confirmed that a 180-degree shift in wind direction had occurred at the airport within one hour of the incident.

Witness Account

A witness at the airport reported that the accident airplane touched down beyond the midpoint of the runway. The aircraft subsequently departed the end of the runway and came to rest after contacting a fence.

Sequence of Events

The flight originated from the airport for a local flight. Soon after takeoff, the pilot noted drizzle and opted to return. While on approach, the pilot experienced wind shear. The aircraft landed long, as observed by a witness, and was unable to stop before the runway end, resulting in a collision with a fence. No further details regarding the aircraft or occupants were provided in the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Apr 2000 Cessna 172 accident near North Adams, MA?

A pilot returned to the airport after encountering drizzle, then experienced wind shear on approach. The aircraft touched down long and overran the runway into a fence.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Apr 2000 involved a Cessna 172, registration N738CG, at North Adams, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point. A factor was a tailwind.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20900. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.