No fatalities

Pilot Reports Unexpected Drift During Landing, Resulting in Tree Contact and Substantial Damage

Ocean Springs, MS, United States

On October 8, 2016, a CESSNA 172 N was involved in an aviation accident near Ocean Springs, MS. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while landing in windy conditions. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported being pushed to the right during landing on Runway 36 despite corrective inputs. The aircraft contacted trees and landed nose first, sustaining substantial damage to both wings and fuselage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during landing, the airplane was "pushed violently and unexpectedly to the right." She immediately attempted to correct with simultaneous rudder, aileron, and power inputs. Despite these efforts, the airplane continued to drift farther to the right of the runway centerline. It subsequently contacted several trees along the edge of the airport before landing nose first onto the runway.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

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.

Wind Conditions

The pilot reported that the wind at the accident airport was 020 degrees true at 12 knots, and that she was landing on Runway 36. The nearest weather reporting station, located 9 miles to the northwest, reported wind from 360 degrees true at 15 knots.

Conclusions

No probable cause was determined from the available information.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotAbility to respond/compensateEffect on operation

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Oct 2016 CESSNA 172 N accident near Ocean Springs, MS?

A pilot reported being pushed to the right during landing on Runway 36 despite corrective inputs. The aircraft contacted trees and landed nose first, sustaining substantial damage to both wings and fuselage.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Oct 2016 CESSNA 172 N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Oct 2016 involved a CESSNA 172 N, at Ocean Springs, MS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while landing in windy conditions.