On August 4, 2004, a Cessna 172N (registration N4865G) was involved in an aviation accident near Cleveland, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper judgment of the airplanes altitude during landing. A contributing factor was the pilot's level of anxiety/apprehension after becoming lost/disoriented. 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.
During a solo cross-country flight, a student pilot with 32 hours of experience became disoriented and sick, necessitating an immediate landing in an open field. The airplane struck a slightly raised road and nosed over.
Incident Overview
A student pilot with 32 hours of total flight experience was conducting a solo cross-country flight when he became overwhelmed with a feeling of being lost. The pilot later reported that he eventually became sick and needed to land as quickly as possible after realizing he could not locate one of his planned checkpoints.
Landing and Outcome
The pilot chose an open field as a landing site. During the landing, the airplane struck a slightly raised road and subsequently nosed over. The student pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft. No information was provided regarding injuries or the extent of damage to the airplane.
Pilot Background
The student pilot was authorized for solo cross-country operations. The specific aircraft type, registration, and other details were not included in the report.
What happened in the 4 Aug 2004 Cessna 172N accident near Cleveland, TX?
During a solo cross-country flight, a student pilot with 32 hours of experience became disoriented and sick, necessitating an immediate landing in an open field. The airplane struck a slightly raised road and nosed over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Aug 2004 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N4865G, at Cleveland, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's improper judgment of the airplanes altitude during landing. A contributing factor was the pilot's level of anxiety/apprehension after becoming lost/disoriented.
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