On July 2, 2007, a Cessna 172S (registration N214GZ) operated by Van Nuys Flight Center was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Barbara, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. 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.
An airplane veered off the runway after landing, crossed an intersecting runway, and struck a taxiway light, causing the nose and left landing gear to collapse and substantial empennage damage. The pilot reported a gust of wind during the landing roll.
Accident Sequence
After touchdown, the airplane veered off the runway and struck a taxiway light. The pilot reported that a gust of wind struck the airplane after landing, causing it to veer to the left of the runway. After departing the runway surface, the airplane crossed an intersecting runway and then struck another taxiway light.
Damage and Final Position
The collision with the taxiway light and subsequent excursion led to the collapse of the nose landing gear and left main landing gear. The empennage (tail section) sustained substantial damage. The airplane came to rest upright on the grass margin bordering the runway.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that the loss of directional control was due to a gust of wind encountered immediately after touchdown. No other conditions or factors were mentioned in the available information.
What happened in the 2 Jul 2007 Cessna 172S accident near Santa Barbara, CA?
An airplane veered off the runway after landing, crossed an intersecting runway, and struck a taxiway light, causing the nose and left landing gear to collapse and substantial empennage damage. The pilot reported a gust of wind during the landing roll.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Jul 2007 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N214GZ, operated by Van Nuys Flight Center, at Santa Barbara, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…