Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172M near Wendover, UT — 2011-09-14

Final reportWPR11CA449
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Date
2011-09-14
Location
Wendover, UT, USA
Airport
U42
Aircraft
CESSNA 172M
Registration
N9197H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot overflew an off-field landing site multiple times to assess the surface conditions. He observed an area with tire tracks and concluded that the surface was stable enough to perform a landing. He configured the airplane for a soft field landing, with the main landing gear touching the ground first. He reported that the ground felt firm as he lowered the nose; however, as the nosewheel touched the surface, the airplane experienced a sudden deceleration and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and vertical stabilizer during the accident sequence. Postaccident examination of the landing surface revealed that it consisted of soft, wet mud, topped with a shallow dry crust.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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