On March 17, 2003, a Cessna 172M (registration N64427) was involved in an aviation accident near Idaho Falls, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment (centerline tracking) during a go around maneuver resulting in the aircraft impacting a runway light. Contributing factors were the gusty/crosswind conditions and the light fixture. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot practicing touch and go landings on runway 20 struck a runway light with the left horizontal stabilizer during a go-around in gusty wind conditions.
Accident Details
A student pilot was conducting touch and go landings on runway 20. According to the investigation, the wind at the time and location of the accident was reported as 340 degrees magnetic at 17 knots with gusts to 21 knots.
Sequence of Events
The pilot executed a go-around due to the wind conditions. After that, he initiated another approach and encountered the same conditions with greater magnitude. He then initiated another go-around. During this go-around, the aircraft drifted to the right. As the pilot pitched the nose up, the aircraft's left horizontal stabilizer impacted a runway light.
Investigation
The investigation focused on the student pilot's actions and the wind conditions. No further details about the aircraft or injuries were provided in the source.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 17 Mar 2003 Cessna 172M accident near Idaho Falls, ID?
A student pilot practicing touch and go landings on runway 20 struck a runway light with the left horizontal stabilizer during a go-around in gusty wind conditions.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 Mar 2003 Cessna 172M accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Mar 2003 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N64427, at Idaho Falls, ID.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment (centerline tracking) during a go around maneuver resulting in the aircraft impacting a runway light. Contributing factors were the gusty/crosswind conditions and the light fixture.
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