2 Apr 2017: CESSNA 172 N

2 Apr 2017: CESSNA 172 N — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Millbrook, NY, United States

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during landing with a crosswind, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and an off-runway landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that during approach, after fully extending the flaps, he felt the airplane was descending too quickly, so he added power. He added that "the aircraft was nearly down when [a] crosswind" drifted the airplane off the runway centerline. The pilot added more power, but the stall warning horn sounded and the nose dropped down. The airplane impacted a drainage pond to the left of the runway and came to rest inverted.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and empennage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Capability exceeded
  • Effect on operation
  • cause Airspeed — Not attained/maintained
  • Contributed to outcome

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 150/04kt, vis 10sm

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