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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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April 29, 1990 · Cessna 172 · N8472X

Ames, IA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 29, 1990
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Ames, IA
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N8472X
Operator
Nieman Robert K
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC90LA098

UPON ARRIVING AT HIS DESTINATION APT, WITH STRONG, GUSTY, SOUTHEAST SURFACE WINDS REPORTED, THE NEWLY CERTIFICATED PVT PLT ATTEMPTED TO LAND DOWNWIND ON RUNWAY 31. UNABLE TO LAND, THE PILOT RETURNED AND ATTEMPTED TO LAND ON RUNWAY 19. DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS LOST ON THE ROLL OUT, AND THE ACFT VEERED OFF THE RUNWAY AND COLLIDED WITH A DITCH, INJURING THE PLT AND PAX AND SUSTAINING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE ACFT.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE WRONG RUNWAY WAS SELECTED AND DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS NOT MAINTAINED BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND.

Full Narrative

UPON ARRIVING AT HIS DESTINATION APT, WITH STRONG, GUSTY, SOUTHEAST SURFACE WINDS REPORTED, THE NEWLY CERTIFICATED PVT PLT ATTEMPTED TO LAND DOWNWIND ON RUNWAY 31. UNABLE TO LAND, THE PILOT RETURNED AND ATTEMPTED TO LAND ON RUNWAY 19. DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS LOST ON THE ROLL OUT, AND THE ACFT VEERED OFF THE RUNWAY AND COLLIDED WITH A DITCH, INJURING THE PLT AND PAX AND SUSTAINING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE ACFT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:35 CDT
Nearest AirportAMES (0nm N)
Runway19
Runway Length3747 ft
Runway Width160 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN8472X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNieman Robert K
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 14 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 45 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time14:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data