On April 10, 2002, a Cessna 172S (registration N960TA) was involved in an aviation accident near Angel Fire, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway and striking a drainage ditch. 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.
An aircraft veered right off the runway during landing in strong crosswinds, striking a drainage ditch and flipping over. The pilot was not injured.
What happened
During the landing phase of flight, the airplane encountered significant wind gusts as it touched down on the runway. According to reports from the airport UNICOM station, the wind conditions were blowing from 240 degrees at a speed of 19 knots. These strong lateral winds caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the right side of the paved surface.
The airplane departed the runway environment and traveled into adjacent terrain. It struck a drainage ditch that was approximately four feet deep and ran parallel to the runway edge. The impact with the ditch caused the nose of the aircraft to pitch forward violently. The force of the collision resulted in the airplane nosing over and coming to rest in an inverted position on its back.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this accident was the loss of directional control during landing due to strong wind gusts. The crosswind component exceeded the pilot's ability to maintain alignment with the runway centerline, leading to the departure from the paved surface and subsequent collision with the drainage ditch.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway and striking a drainage ditch.
What happened in the 10 Apr 2002 Cessna 172S accident near Angel Fire, NM?
An aircraft veered right off the runway during landing in strong crosswinds, striking a drainage ditch and flipping over. The pilot was not injured.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Apr 2002 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N960TA, at Angel Fire, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway and striking a drainage ditch.
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