Pilot Debrief

Cessna 172 near Stafford, VA — 2019-05-23

Final reportERA19TA192
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Date
2019-05-23
Location
Stafford, VA, USA
Airport
RMN
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Registration
N64003
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during final approach, he flew a minor crab angle due to a right crosswind. After touchdown, the airplane veered right and traveled off the right side of the runway. The nose gear struck a concrete slab and then collapsed. The airplane sustained damage to the firewall, engine mount, and left wing. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, and control continuity was confirmed from the rudder to the rudder pedals. In addition, the pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The recorded wind at the airport about the time of the accident was a nearly direct right crosswind at 8 knots, gusting to 16 knots.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing due to unexpected crosswind conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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