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December 20, 2018 · Cessna 172 C · N8487X

Center, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 20, 2018
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Center, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 172 C (1962)
Tail Number
N8487X
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA123

The pilot reported that, during the landing flare, a wind gust "lifted the wing up 90 degrees." She then leveled the wings and added full power. When the wings were leveled, the airplane was above a drainage ditch between the runway and parallel taxiway. She realized that the airplane would not gain enough airspeed to "make the [taxiway]," so she intentionally aerodynamically stalled the airplane to "prevent flipping" it. The airplane descended and impacted the drainage ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right and left wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport's automated weather observation system reported that the wind was from 310° at 14 knots, gusting to 23 knots. A weather station located about 2 miles southwest of the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 311° at 2.7 mph (about 2 knots), gusting to 12.1 mph (about 11 knots). The pilot was landing the airplane on runway 35.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during the landing flare, a wind gust "lifted the up wing 90 degrees." She leveled the wings and added full power. When wings were leveled the airplane was over a drainage ditch between the runway and parallel taxiway. She realized that the airplane would not gain enough airspeed to "make the [taxiway]", so she intentionally aerodynamically stalled the airplane to "prevent flipping the plane." The airplane impacted in the drainage ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right and left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that automated weather observation system (AWOS) reported the wind was 310° at 14 knots, gusting to 23 knots. A weather station, located about 2 miles to the southwest of the accident airport, about the time of the accident reported the wind was from 311° at 2.7 mph, gusting to 12.1 mph. The pilot was landing the airplane on runway 35.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 CST
Nearest AirportCenter Muni (0nm N)
Runway35
Runway Length5501 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 C
Tail NumberN8487X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 30 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 22 kt, gusting 30 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 36 C
Altimeter29.79 inHg
Observation Time20:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data