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Touch-and-Go Results in Runway Excursion After Bird Avoidance and Wind Gust (N364SR)

Navajo Dam, NM, US

On June 2, 2002, a Cessna 172E (registration N364SR) was involved in an aviation accident near Navajo Dam, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure maintain directional control of the airplane during a touch and go landing which resulted in a collision with trees. A contributing factor was the gusting wind conditions. 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

During a touch-and-go landing, the pilot turned to avoid a bird, a wind gust pushed the aircraft right, the pilot aborted takeoff, and the airplane veered off the runway, striking a tree with the right wing.

Event Description

A touch-and-go landing was in progress when the pilot initiated a slight right turn to avoid a bird. At that moment, a wind gust pushed the airplane to the right. The pilot responded by reducing engine power and aborting the takeoff. The airplane then veered off the right side of the runway. The right wing subsequently struck a tree, causing the airplane to pivot around the tree. Following the pivot, the left wing contacted the ground.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft sustained damage to both wings. The right wing struck a tree, and the left wing contacted the ground during the event. Specific details of the damage were not provided in the source.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that the wind was from the west-southwest and gusting at the time of the incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jun 2002 Cessna 172E accident near Navajo Dam, NM?

During a touch-and-go landing, the pilot turned to avoid a bird, a wind gust pushed the aircraft right, the pilot aborted takeoff, and the airplane veered off the runway, striking a tree with the right wing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jun 2002 involved a Cessna 172E, registration N364SR, at Navajo Dam, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure maintain directional control of the airplane during a touch and go landing which resulted in a collision with trees. A contributing factor was the gusting wind conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020604X00805. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.