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NTSB Report
February 17, 1989 · Cessna 172 · N739US
Wilmington, OH
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 17, 1989
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Wilmington, OH
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N739US
Operator
Kenneth W Powell
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL89LA089
THE PILOT RPRTD THAT AS HE STARTED FLARING TO LAND, THE ACFT BEGAN DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT. HE TRIED TO CORRECT THE SITUATION, BUT THE ACFT CONTINUED DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT TOWARD A DITCH. HE INITIATED A GO-AROUND, BUT THE ACFT SETTLED TO THE FROZEN GROUND, HIT A SMALL TREE ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE RWY & WAS DAMAGED. THE PLT ESTIMATED THE WIND WAS VARIABLE AT 20 KTS. ABOUT 30 MI NORTHWEST AT DAYTON, THE WIND WAS RPRTD TO BE FROM 060 DEG AT 10 KTS.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ADEQUATELY COMPENSATE FOR WIND CONDITIONS, TO MAINTAIN PROPER RUNWAY ALIGNMENT, AND HIS DELAY IN ABORTING THE LANDING. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: VARIABLE CROSSWIND CONDITIONS AND A SMALL TREE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT RPRTD THAT AS HE STARTED FLARING TO LAND, THE ACFT BEGAN DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT. HE TRIED TO CORRECT THE SITUATION, BUT THE ACFT CONTINUED DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT TOWARD A DITCH. HE INITIATED A GO-AROUND, BUT THE ACFT SETTLED TO THE FROZEN GROUND, HIT A SMALL TREE ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE RWY & WAS DAMAGED. THE PLT ESTIMATED THE WIND WAS VARIABLE AT 20 KTS. ABOUT 30 MI NORTHWEST AT DAYTON, THE WIND WAS RPRTD TO BE FROM 060 DEG AT 10 KTS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:15 EST
Nearest AirportClinton County (0nm N)
Runway2
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width25 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN739US
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKenneth W Powell
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingOvercast 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point19 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:50
Weather SourceWFAC