On October 16, 2003, a Cessna 172M (registration N64255) was involved in an aviation accident near Sanford, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, which resulted in the airplane leaving the runway and colliding with a ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot lost directional control during landing rollout, causing the aircraft to leave the runway and collide with a ditch. Weather reports showed no gusts at the time.
What happened
The accident occurred during the landing phase of flight. According to the account provided by the student pilot, the airplane was on the ground during the rollout portion of the landing when it departed the paved surface. The pilot reported that a gust of wind caused a loss of directional control, leading the aircraft to veer off the left side of the runway. Following this departure, the airplane collided with a ditch and subsequently nosed over.
Findings
An examination of the available meteorological data was conducted to determine if environmental conditions contributed to the incident. Review of the surface weather observation recorded at the airport closest to the accident site indicated that no wind gusts were reported at the specific time of the accident. This finding contradicts the pilot's statement regarding the presence of a gust.
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, which resulted in the airplane leaving the runway and colliding with a ditch.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 Oct 2003 Cessna 172M accident near Sanford, NC?
A student pilot lost directional control during landing rollout, causing the aircraft to leave the runway and collide with a ditch. Weather reports showed no gusts at the time.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Oct 2003 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N64255, at Sanford, NC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, which resulted in the airplane leaving the runway and colliding with a ditch.
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…