Casualties unknown

2004-06-04: Cessna 175 (N9401B) — James E. Thompson — Blissfield, MI

Blissfield, MI, US

On June 4, 2004, a Cessna 175 (registration N9401B) operated by James E. Thompson was involved in an aviation accident near Blissfield, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot selected the wrong runway on which to land which resulted in exceeding the proper touchdown point during landing. Factors associated with the accident were the tailwind condition and the drainage ditch which the airplane contacted. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted to ground loop his airplane after a landing overrun on a private 1,300-foot grass airstrip, but the airplane continued off the end and nosed over into a drainage ditch.

Accident Overview

The pilot reported that the accident occurred during a landing on his private airstrip, a 1,300-foot by 100-foot grass strip. He was landing to the west, a direction he chooses when winds are 5 knots or less to avoid crossing high-tension power lines on the west end during approach.

Pilot's Account

According to the pilot, the winds at his departure airport, which was six minutes away, were from 050 degrees at 6 knots. He stated that he landed further down the airstrip than normal and realized he would not be able to stop within the remaining distance. To avoid overrunning, he attempted to perform a ground loop, a maneuver intended to turn the airplane abruptly using rudder and differential braking.

Ground Loop Attempt

The pilot explained that due to a lack of friction on the grass surface, he was unable to execute the ground loop. The airplane continued off the end of the airstrip without turning. Once off the strip, the airplane contacted a 6-foot deep drainage ditch, causing it to nose over.

Outcome

The airplane nosed over after contacting the ditch. No further details about the aircraft or the pilot were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040701X00896. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.