Casualties unknown

Airplane Exits Runway and Impacts Ditch During Landing (N97224)

West Chicago, IL, US

On May 1, 2007, a Cessna 172P (registration N97224) operated by American Flyers was involved in an aviation accident near West Chicago, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructor's inadequate remedial action following the student pilot's loss of control during the crosswind landing and the instructor's failure to compensate for the wind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane veered off runway 33 after touchdown, exiting into grass and impacting a ditch. The instructor reported yaw into crosswind. No mechanical issues were found.

Accident Overview

An airplane was landing on runway 33, which measures 3,401 feet in length and 100 feet in width, with a dry concrete surface. During the landing roll, the airplane experienced an uncontrolled exit from the runway surface and subsequently impacted a ditch.

Instructor's Account

The instructor stated that after touchdown, the engine power was increased. The airplane then yawed to the left into the prevailing crosswind. The airplane departed the runway and entered the grass area adjacent to the runway. The main landing gear dragged through the grass, and the nose gear dug into the ground. The airplane pivoted to the right, causing the left wingtip to make contact with and drag through the grass.

Wind Conditions

The reported wind conditions around the time of the accident were from 280 degrees magnetic at 13 knots, with gusts reaching 21 knots.

Aircraft Inspection

A post-accident inspection of the airplane revealed no evidence of any flight control or mechanical malfunction that would have prevented normal operation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 May 2007 Cessna 172P accident near West Chicago, IL?

An airplane veered off runway 33 after touchdown, exiting into grass and impacting a ditch. The instructor reported yaw into crosswind. No mechanical issues were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 May 2007 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N97224, operated by American Flyers, at West Chicago, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The instructor's inadequate remedial action following the student pilot's loss of control during the crosswind landing and the instructor's failure to compensate for the wind conditions. Contributing factors were, the crosswind, the gusting wind conditions and the ditch.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070518X00584. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.