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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 1, 1996 · Cessna 172F · N8869U

Blairstown, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 1, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Blairstown, NJ
Aircraft
Cessna 172F
Tail Number
N8869U
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC96LA119

During landing the pilot experienced a loss of control, and the airplane went off the side of the runway and struck a tree. According to the pilot, "I experienced a wind shift, from essentially, up the runway to a direct crosswind to the right. This wind shift occurred during my landing flare, and blew me off centerline, and toward the right side of the runway. I immediately took corrective action, but the inertia drove me off the edge of the runway onto the grass along side of (the runway)." I continued to attempt corrective action, but because the trajectory of my travel was about 45 degrees along the runway, but on the grass, control was difficult to return. The roll started to straighten out gradually, but by this time, I was along the tree line and the right wing tip clipped a small tree, spinning the nose of the plane into the dirt embankment, and trees, bringing the aircraft to a complete stop. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control due to improper compensation for wind conditions.

Full Narrative

On June 1, 1996, about 1415 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172F, N8869U, was substantially damaged when it collided with trees and terrain during landing at Blairstown Airport(1N7), New Jersey. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan had been filed for the flight originating in Forty Fort, Pennsylvania. According to the NTSB Form 6120.1/2 the pilot stated that while landing on runway 25, "I experienced a wind shift from, essentially, up the runway to a direct crosswind to the right. This wind shift occurred during my landing flare, and blew me off centerline and toward the right side of the runway. I immediately took corrective action, but the inertia drove me off the edge of the runway onto the grass along side of runway 25. I continued to attempt corrective action, but because the trajectory of my travel was about 45 degrees along the runway, but on the grass, control was difficult to return. The roll started to straighten out gradually, but by this time, I was along the tree line and the right wing tip clipped a small tree, spinning the nose of the plane into the dirt embankment and trees, bringing the aircraft to a complete stop." The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 EDT
Nearest AirportBlairstown (0nm)
Runway25
Runway Length3100 ft
Runway Width55 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172F
Tail NumberN8869U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data