On May 22, 2002, a Cessna 172K (registration N78760) operated by Parowan Aero Services was involved in an aviation accident near Cedar City, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing flare due to a wind gust, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent structural damage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A gust of wind during the final flare caused an aircraft to become airborne again before slamming onto the runway, resulting in significant structural damage to the airframe and landing gear.
What happened
During the final phase of landing, the pilot reported that the aircraft was in the flare when a stall warning horn activated. At this moment, a gust of wind from the right side struck the aircraft, forcing it back into the air. The pilot noted that once the wind gust subsided, the airplane descended rapidly and impacted the runway surface with significant force.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed substantial structural damage to the airframe. The firewall and engine mount were found to be bent. Additionally, the main landing gear box assembly and the left door frame exhibited distortion and bending consistent with a high-energy impact.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing flare due to a wind gust, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent structural damage.
What happened in the 22 May 2002 Cessna 172K accident near Cedar City, UT?
A gust of wind during the final flare caused an aircraft to become airborne again before slamming onto the runway, resulting in significant structural damage to the airframe and landing gear.
Were there any fatalities in the 22 May 2002 Cessna 172K accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 May 2002 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N78760, operated by Parowan Aero Services, at Cedar City, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing flare due to a wind gust, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent structural damage.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…