Casualties unknown

2004-05-14: Cessna 150 (N7795E) — Sacramento, KY

Sacramento, KY, US

On May 14, 2004, a Cessna 150 (registration N7795E) was involved in an aviation accident near Sacramento, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to land with a tailwind, and his inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. A factor was the tailwind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that after takeoff, he decided to return due to dark clouds. On final approach, a gust of wind during flare caused the airplane to drift right, leading to a runway excursion and impact with a parked car and garage door.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff from runway 34, at an altitude of about 1,000 feet, he observed "dark clouds" surrounding the airport and decided to return to the airport to land. As he turned onto final approach at 700 feet and about 65 mph, he noticed the wind was blowing from the southwest. The pilot applied left aileron and right rudder to compensate for the wind.

Sequence of Events

During the landing flare, a gust of wind blew the airplane to the right. The airplane touched down on the right side of the runway, but the pilot reported being unable to maintain correction with full left rudder and braking. The airplane then continued off the runway and impacted a parked car and then a garage door on the airport before coming to rest.

Weather Conditions

Winds reported at an airport about 40 miles to the southwest, at 1353, were from 180 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 22 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040617X00832. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.