Casualties unknown

Pleasure Flight Ends in Collision with Tree After Bounced Landing (N64079)

Pensacola, FL, US

On April 4, 2002, a Cessna 172P (registration N64079) operated by Anbrey P. Mathis was involved in an aviation accident near Pensacola, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to land with a tailwind. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performing pleasure flights at a private airport collided with a tree after a bounced landing on runway 18. Witnesses reported a go-around attempt, but the aircraft touched down, turned northwest, and struck a tree.

Flight and Attempted Approaches

The pilot was conducting a pleasure flight, which included closed traffic operations at a private airport. Multiple approaches to runway 18 were attempted without landing. According to the fixed base operator (FBO), several unsuccessful attempts were made to establish radio contact with the pilot over the UNICOM frequency. The FBO expressed concern about the pilot attempting a landing with a tailwind.

Pilot's Account

The pilot reported that after the second approach and go-around to runway 18, he noticed that the prevailing winds had shifted and now favored runway 36.

Accident Sequence

Witnesses observed the airplane on the accident approach to runway 18. The pilot appeared to execute another go-around. However, a pilot who was taxiing for takeoff saw the airplane bounce on the runway. It then turned to the northwest, touched down on the ground again, and collided with a tree.

Examination

Post-accident examination revealed damage to the left and right wing assemblies, as well as structural damage to the fuselage. The pilot did not report any mechanical issues with the airplane prior to the accident.

Wind Conditions

The prevailing winds at the approximate time of the attempted landing were from 330 degrees at 12 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Apr 2002 Cessna 172P accident near Pensacola, FL?

A pilot performing pleasure flights at a private airport collided with a tree after a bounced landing on runway 18. Witnesses reported a go-around attempt, but the aircraft touched down, turned northwest, and struck a tree.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Apr 2002 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N64079, operated by Anbrey P. Mathis, at Pensacola, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to land with a tailwind.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020412X00509. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.