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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

April 4, 2002 · Cessna 172P · N64079

Pensacola, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 4, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Pensacola, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 172P
Tail Number
N64079
Operator
Anbrey P Mathis
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL02LA073

The pilot had been conducting a pleasure flight, which included closed traffic at the private airport. The pilot had attempted several approaches to runway 18 without landing. However, according to the fixed based operator, several failed attempts were made to establish radio contact over the UNICOM frequency with the pilot of the accident airplane. The fixed base operator was concerned about the pilot attempting a landing with a tailwind. The pilot stated that after the second approach and go-around to runway 18 he discovered that the prevailing winds had shifted and favored runway 36. Witnesses saw the airplane on the accident approach to runway 18, and again the pilot appeared to execute a go-around. However, another pilot taxiing for takeoff saw the airplane bounce on the runway, turn to the northwest, touch down on the ground again, and collide with a tree. Examination of the airplane revealed that the left and right wing assemblies were damaged and the fuselage also sustained structural damage. The pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the airplane prior to the accident. The prevailing winds were 330 degrees at 12 knots at the approximate time of the attempted landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to land with a tailwind.

Full Narrative

On April 4, 2002, at 1730 central standard time, a Cessna 172P, N64079, registered to Ferguson Aviation, collided the ground during an attempted landing at Ferguson Airport in Pensacola, Florida. The personal flight was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the private pilot and his passenger were not injured. The flight departed Pensacola, Florida, at 1610, on April 4, 2002. According to the fixed base operator, the pilot had been conducting a pleasure flight, which included closed traffic at the private airport. The pilot had attempted several approaches to runway 18 without landing. However, according to the fixed based operator, several failed attempts were made to establish radio contact over the UNICOM frequency with the pilot of the accident airplane. The fixed base operator was concerned about the pilot attempting a landing with a tail wind. But, the pilot stated that after the second approach and go-around to runway 18 he discovered that the winds had shifted and favored runway 36. At that time, the pilot said, he changed his approach to runway 36. Witnesses saw the airplane on the accident approach to runway 18, and again the pilot appeared to execute a go-around followed by a right turn. The airplane descended behind a tree line. According to a pilot taxing for takeoff, the airplane bounced on the runway, turned to the northwest, touched down on the ground and collided with a tree. Examination of the airplane revealed that the left and right wing assemblies were damaged and the fuselage also sustained structural damage. The pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the airplane prior to the accident. The prevailing winds were 330 degrees at 12 knots, at the approximate time of the attempted landing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 CST
Nearest AirportFeregenson Airport (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length3206 ft
Runway Width425 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172P
Tail NumberN64079
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAnbrey P Mathis
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine DetailsAvco Lycoming · O-320D-2J · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point43 C
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time20:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data