On December 23, 2004, a Cessna 177RG (registration N1JM) was involved in an aviation accident near Phoenix, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control during landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft registered N1JM. Photo: Alan Wilson from Stilton, Peterborough, Cambs, UK / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
During a post-maintenance test flight, an airplane veered left off the runway while landing in a 40-degree, 12-knot crosswind. The right main landing gear strut collapsed. No mechanical anomalies were found.
Incident Description
The pilot was performing a post-maintenance test flight to check the landing gear warning system. After completing the test, the pilot initiated a landing. The aircraft touched down with a 40-degree, 12-knot crosswind. As soon as the nose wheel contacted the runway, the airplane veered to the left. Despite the pilot's corrective control inputs, the deviation continued. The aircraft departed the left side of the runway and entered midfield terrain.
Damage
The right main landing gear strut collapsed during the excursion.
Investigation Findings
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Dec 2004 Cessna 177RG accident near Phoenix, AZ?
During a post-maintenance test flight, an airplane veered left off the runway while landing in a 40-degree, 12-knot crosswind. The right main landing gear strut collapsed. No mechanical anomalies were found.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Dec 2004 Cessna 177RG accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Dec 2004 involved a Cessna 177RG, registration N1JM, at Phoenix, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control during landing.
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