On December 3, 2015, a CESSNA 172N N operated by BARNES, HERBERT JR. was involved in an aviation accident near Boca Raton, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing touchdown resulting in a runway excursion, a collision with an object, and an impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a touch-and-go landing, the pilot experienced a bounce and lost directional control, causing the airplane to depart the runway left, strike a taxi sign, and collapse the left main and nose landing gear, resulting in substantial damage.
Accident Overview
A pilot reported that while performing a touch-and-go landing, the airplane touched down with a slight bounce. After applying power, the rudder and aileron controls were unable to prevent the aircraft from veering to the left. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway.
Impact and Damage
The departing aircraft struck a taxi sign, causing the left main landing gear and nose landing gear to collapse. The airplane came to a stop on a ramp. Substantial damage was sustained to the fuselage and empennage.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained
7 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Tin Cup Investments INC)
24 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172M
21 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172P (Vascular Wings LLC)
18 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Ocala Aviation Services INC)
16 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Foothill Aircraft Sales and Service Inc.)
9 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Kimber 123 Holdings LLC)
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Dec 2015 CESSNA 172N N accident near Boca Raton, FL?
During a touch-and-go landing, the pilot experienced a bounce and lost directional control, causing the airplane to depart the runway left, strike a taxi sign, and collapse the left main and nose landing gear, resulting in substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Dec 2015 CESSNA 172N N accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Dec 2015 involved a CESSNA 172N N, operated by BARNES, HERBERT JR., at Boca Raton, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing touchdown resulting in a runway excursion, a collision with an object, and an impact with terrain.
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