On July 31, 2004, a Cessna 172N (registration N5426J) was involved in an aviation accident near Hurricane, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing. Contributing factors include the crosswind, the wind gusts, and the exceeded maximum demonstrated crosswind component. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot landed too fast, lost control, and veered off the runway, causing substantial damage. Post-accident examination found no system anomalies. Winds were a direct crosswind at 18 knots gusting 25, exceeding the airplane's maximum demonstrated crosswind of 15 knots.
Accident Details
A student pilot was conducting a landing when he reported that he touched down too fast and lost control. The airplane veered to the west side of the runway, causing substantial damage. The pilot's statement indicated that excessive landing speed led to the loss of directional control.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airplane after the accident revealed no anomalies in any of its systems. The aircraft appeared to have been operating normally prior to the event.
Weather Conditions
The wind at the time of the accident was reported as a direct crosswind at 18 knots, with gusts reaching 25 knots. Calculations showed the crosswind component during landing was between 19 and 25 knots. For reference, the airplane's manufacturer specifies a maximum demonstrated crosswind component of 15 knots in the pilot's operating handbook.
What happened in the 31 Jul 2004 Cessna 172N accident near Hurricane, UT?
A student pilot landed too fast, lost control, and veered off the runway, causing substantial damage. Post-accident examination found no system anomalies. Winds were a direct crosswind at 18 knots gusting 25, exceeding the airplane's maximum demonstrated crosswind of 15 knots.
Were there any fatalities in the 31 Jul 2004 Cessna 172N accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Jul 2004 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N5426J, at Hurricane, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing. Contributing factors include the crosswind, the wind gusts, and the exceeded maximum demonstrated crosswind component.
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