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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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April 3, 2011 · Cessna 172N · N3484E

Colorado Springs, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 3, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N3484E
Operator
Peak Aviation Center
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11CA261

As the pilot returned to the local airport, the airport tower controller informed him of a storm cell approaching the airfield, issued a clearance to land, and reported wind from 70 degrees left of runway heading at 25 knots gusting to 34 knots. The pilot estimated the wind at 18 knots of crosswind, and landed using 40 degrees of flaps. While on the landing roll, the wind shifted to a tailwind at which time the airplane began to drift to the right side of the runway. The pilot attempted to go-around, but could not regain control of the airplane. He then elected to abort the go-around and attempted to bring the airplane to a stop. The airplane departed the right side of the runway and continued into a field. The airplane encountered uneven terrain and the airplane nosed over. Substantial damage was sustained to the airplane's wings and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported no preimpact malfunctions with the airplane. A review of air traffic control transmissions revealed the pilot was aware of alerts for low-level windshear and microbursts during this local flight. The airplane's pilot operating handbook directs pilots to utilize the minimum flap setting required for field length while operating in strong crosswind conditions. In addition, the handbook does not state a maximum allowable crosswind velocity, but states that average pilot technique should be able to handle 15 knots of crosswind.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

As the pilot returned to the local airport, the airport tower controller informed him of a storm cell approaching the airfield, issued a clearance to land, and reported winds from 70 degrees left of runway heading at 25 knots gusting to 34 knots. The pilot estimated the winds at 18 knots of crosswind, and landed using 40 degrees of flaps. While on landing roll, the airplane experienced a shift in winds to a tailwind at which time the airplane began to drift to the right side of the 150-foot wide runway. The pilot attempted to go-around, but could not regain control of the airplane. He then elected to abort the go-around and attempted to bring the airplane to a stop. The airplane departed the right side of the runway and continued into a field. The airplane encountered uneven terrain and the airplane nosed over. Substantial damage was sustained to the airplane's wings and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported no preimpact malfunctions with the airplane. A review of Air Traffic Control transmissions revealed the pilot was aware of alerts for low-level windshear and microbursts during the his local flight. The airplane's pilot operating handbook directs pilots to utilize the minimum flap setting required for field length while operating in strong crosswinds. In addition, the handbook does not state a maximum allowable crosswind velocity, but states that average pilot technique should be able to handle 15 knots of crosswind. Winds at the times of the pilot's landing were between 23 knots and 32 knots of crosswind.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 MDT
Nearest AirportColorado Springs Municipal (0nm)
Runway35R
Runway Length13501 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN3484E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPeak Aviation Center
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 20 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 28 kt, gusting 39 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 34 C
Altimeter29.55 inHg
Observation Time17:54

Appendix: Source Data