CESSNA 172
Vernon, TX — March 19, 2018
Event Information
| Date | March 19, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA170 |
| Event ID | 20180320X50334 |
| Location | Vernon, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.22528, -99.28306 |
| Airport | WILBARGER COUNTY |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 172 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | NITE |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusty crosswind conditions.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, while conducting touch-and-go landings in the local pattern at night, the wind increased and began to gust during the third approach. He added that, he applied full power and performed a go-around. During the next landing, the airplane touched down, and the wind "increased and shifted" to the right. Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the runway and came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the windshield, and the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system located at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 230° at 19 knots, gusting to 23 knots. The pilot landed on runway 20.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.