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CFI Candidate Aborts Landing After Wing Strike, Strikes Sign (N5136R)

Fort Collins, CO, US

On August 6, 2005, a Cessna 172RG (registration N5136R) operated by Colorado Contrails Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Collins, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing factors were the crosswind, the pilot's failure to compensate for the wind conditions --- allowing the airplane to touch down without being properly aligned with the runway --- and the flight… 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing attempt, a CFI candidate scraped the left wing tip after touchdown, then aborted and veered off the runway into a taxiway sign. The instructor took control and ended the abort.

Incident Overview

A certified flight instructor (CFI) candidate was on final approach to runway 33. The wind was reported as a light crosswind from the right, with speeds of 4 to 7 knots. The candidate used a crab technique to align the airplane with the runway.

Sequence of Events

During the approach, the instructor advised the pilot several times to apply "more left rudder." The airplane touched down on the left main landing gear, and the left wing tip subsequently scraped the ground. In response, the pilot decided to abort the landing and applied full power.

Runway Excursion

As the pilot added power, the airplane veered off the runway and struck a taxiway sign. The instructor then took control of the airplane and terminated the attempted abort.

Weather Conditions

The Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS) recorded the wind at the time of the accident as 060 degrees at 3 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Aug 2005 Cessna 172RG accident near Fort Collins, CO?

During a landing attempt, a CFI candidate scraped the left wing tip after touchdown, then aborted and veered off the runway into a taxiway sign. The instructor took control and ended the abort.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Aug 2005 Cessna 172RG accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Aug 2005 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N5136R, operated by Colorado Contrails Aviation, Inc., at Fort Collins, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing factors were the crosswind, the pilot's failure to compensate for the wind conditions --- allowing the airplane to touch down without being properly aligned with the runway --- and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the pilot.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050906X01383. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.