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Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Trees After Sudden Downdraft on Final Approach (N1152F)

Stow, MA, US

On November 23, 2002, a Cessna 172G (registration N1152F) was involved in an aviation accident near Stow, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance. A factor in this accident was gusty 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

A pilot reported a sudden downdraft during final approach to a 1,600-foot gravel runway, causing the airplane to strike trees and come to rest short of the threshold.

Accident Details

A single-engine airplane (registration not specified) was on final approach to runway 30, a 1,600-foot-long gravel runway, when it experienced a sudden downdraft. The aircraft subsequently struck trees and came to rest short of the runway threshold.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that he did not experience any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. He reported that the downdraft occurred without warning during the approach.

Weather Conditions

Weather observations taken at an airport located approximately 12 miles east of the accident site reported winds from 300 degrees at 19 knots, with gusts to 31 knots. No other weather information was provided.

Investigation Status

Details regarding the aircraft type, registration, date, time of day, and occupants have not been released. The investigation is ongoing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Nov 2002 Cessna 172G accident near Stow, MA?

A pilot reported a sudden downdraft during final approach to a 1,600-foot gravel runway, causing the airplane to strike trees and come to rest short of the threshold.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Nov 2002 involved a Cessna 172G, registration N1152F, at Stow, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance. A factor in this accident was gusty 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/20021127X05534. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.