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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

April 11, 1998 · Cessna 172M · N73405

Scottsdale, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 11, 1998
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Scottsdale, AZ
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N73405
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX98LA135

The pilot reported that, after initial touchdown, the airplane bounced back into the air and a strong gust of wind pushed it sideways. He then attempted to go-around but a second gust pushed the airplane toward a steel tower. The pilot then banked the airplane to the right to miss the tower and flew into an unoccupied construction trailer. At the time of landing, the crosswind component for the runway was approximately 19 knots, which is 4 knots above the limit stated by Cessna Aircraft Company for the model 172.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his inadequate compensation for the wind condition. A contributing factor was the crosswind.

Full Narrative

On April 11, 1998, at 1419 hours mountain standard time, a Cessna 172M, N73405, was destroyed during a landing attempt when it impacted a construction trailer located approximately 200 yards west of runway 21 at Scottsdale Airport, Scottsdale, Arizona. There were minor injuries to the pilot and two passengers. The aircraft is owned by Desert Coast Aviation, Inc., of Scottsdale, and was operated by the licensed private pilot. The flight departed from Eloy, Arizona, on a visual flight to Scottsdale. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported that, after initial touchdown, the airplane bounced back into the air and a strong gust of wind pushed it sideways. He then attempted to go-around but a second gust pushed the airplane toward a steel tower. The pilot then banked the airplane to the right to miss the tower and flew into an unoccupied construction trailer. At the time of the accident, the surface wind was variable around 140 degrees magnetic at 15 knots with gusts to 20 knots. Using the gust factor of 20 knots and a wind direction of 140 degrees, the crosswind component for runway 21 at the time of the accident was calculated to be 19 knots. According to Cessna Flight Test Engineering, the maximum crosswind component for the 172 model is 15 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:19 MST
Nearest AirportScottsdale (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length8251 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN73405
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 21 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind15 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point21 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:20
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data