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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

September 28, 1997 · Cessna 172P · N52419

Yankton, SD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 28, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Yankton, SD
Aircraft
Cessna 172P
Tail Number
N52419
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI97LA303

In a written statement, the pilot reported that the winds were reported between 280 and 290 at 18 knots with gusts to 20. While on final for runway 31, the airplane was configured with no flaps extended, at an airspeed of 75 knots. The airplane touched down on the upwind wheel first, then 'gently lifted off the runway.' Soon after, the airplane banked to the left to a heading approximately 20 to 30 degrees left of the runway centerline. The pilot reports that he corrected to the right, but by this time the airplane was over the grass between the runway and the taxiway. Shortly thereafter, the airplane collided with the terrain. It rocked over onto the nose before settling back onto the main gear. In a verbal statement, the pilot said that he may have been 'relieved' to be on the ground following the initial touchdown, causing him to relax his crosswind correction.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor contributing to the accident was the wind gusts.

Full Narrative

On September 28, 1997, at 1700 central daylight time, a Cessna 172P, N52419, operated by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when the airplane impacted the terrain during landing at Yankton Airport, Yankton, South Dakota. The private pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was on file. The flight departed Yankton Airport at 1600 cdt for a local flight. In a written statement, the pilot reported that the winds were reported between 280 and 290 at 18 knots with gusts to 20. While on final for runway 31, the airplane was configured with no flaps extended, at an airspeed of 75 knots. The airplane touched down on the upwind wheel first, then "gently lifted off the runway." Soon after, the airplane banked to the left to a heading approximately 20 to 30 degrees left of the runway centerline. The pilot reports that he corrected to the right, but by this time the airplane was over the grass between the runway and the taxiway. Shortly thereafter, the airplane collided with the terrain. It rocked over onto the nose before settling back onto the main gear. In a verbal statement, the pilot said that he may have been "relieved" to be on the ground following the initial touchdown, causing him to relax his crosswind correction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 CDT
Nearest AirportYankton/Chan Gurney Muni (0nm)
Runway31
Runway Length6100 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172P
Tail NumberN52419
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D25 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 22 kt, gusting 27 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 36 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data