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Casualties unknown

Airplane veers off runway during aborted landing, strikes sign and berm (N3985L)

Ocean City, NJ, US

On May 20, 2003, a Cessna 172G (registration N3985L) was involved in an aviation accident near Ocean City, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted landing. A factor was a crosswind. 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

While landing on runway 06, an airplane encountered turbulence, prompting the pilot to abort. The airplane veered right, exited the runway, struck a sign and berm, and came to rest in a swamp.

Event

During a landing attempt on runway 06, an airplane experienced turbulence. The pilot decided to abort the landing. Subsequently, the airplane veered to the right and departed the right side of the runway.

Sequence of Events

After veering off the runway, the airplane struck a runway sign and a berm. It continued moving and eventually came to rest in a swamp located at the departure end of the runway.

Environmental Conditions

Near the accident site, at approximately the same time as the event, the reported wind was from 140 degrees at 11 knots. No other environmental conditions were specified.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 May 2003 Cessna 172G accident near Ocean City, NJ?

While landing on runway 06, an airplane encountered turbulence, prompting the pilot to abort. The airplane veered right, exited the runway, struck a sign and berm, and came to rest in a swamp.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 May 2003 involved a Cessna 172G, registration N3985L, at Ocean City, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted landing. A factor was a crosswind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030522X00716. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.