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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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April 27, 2003 · Cessna 172D · N2371U

South Ponotoc, MS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 27, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
South Ponotoc, MS
Aircraft
Cessna 172D
Tail Number
N2371U
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA03LA099

The pilot, was performing low approaches into a private airstrip with no intention of landing. On the third approach a gust of wind "blew" the airplane to the right towards the trees. The pilot said that before he could recover, the airplane "hit" the ground. An examination of the wreckage after the accident did not reveal any discrepancies.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain altitude and aircraft control during a low pass over a grass runway, which resulted in the airplane impacting the ground.

Full Narrative

On April 27, 2003, about 1630 central daylight time, a Cessna 172D, N2371U, registered to and operated by an individual, collided with the ground at a private airstrip, located about 4 miles south of South Ponotoc, Mississippi. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. No flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged. The private-rated pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The flight departed from Pontotoc County Airport, at 1530. According to the pilot he was attempting his third approach to the grass strip, when a gust of wind "blew" the airplane to the right towards the trees. He said that before he could recover the airplane "hit" the ground. According to the FAA inspector's statement, the pilot said he was making low approaches into the strip with no intention of landing. The purpose of the flight was to get a good look at the airship to determine if any trees should be removed near the airstrip, because the pilot wanted to move his airplane. He said as he was making a low approach down the runway a gust of wind caught the airplane. The wing touched the runway and forced the aircraft to the ground. The FAA inspector stated that he found evidence of impact about 1/3 of the length of the airstrip from the south end. The aircraft came to rest, turned around and was facing south, about 30 feet from the impact point. He checked continuity of the flight controls and the engine. He found "…no evidence of system or mechanical failures."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 CDT
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm W)
Runway18
Runway Length2400 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172D
Tail NumberN2371U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time20:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data