# NTSB DFW07CA048: Cessna 172S, N988SP, Spicewood, TX, December 31, 2006

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: December 31, 2006, 13:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: Spicewood, TX
- Coordinates: 30.4777777777778, -98.1211111111111
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.4778&lon=-98.1211&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 26, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: SAT FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 65089
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DFW07CA048
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/65089/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07CA048

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to compensate for the existing wind conditions resulting in a loss of directional control. Factors were the gusty crosswind and the muddy terrain.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
- Gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - muddy (contributing factor)

## Analysis

The 270-hour private pilot lost directional control of the single-engine airplane during a crosswind landing on runway 35.  Runway 35 was reported as a dry 4,185-foot long by 30-foot wide asphalt runway.  The pilot stated in the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that "while slowing down on the runway, a sudden gust blew the airplane to the right (east) and off the runway."  Subsequently, the "nose gear dug into the mud and collapsed causing the airplane to flip onto its back."  The pilot was able to exit the aircraft through the cabin door and sustained no injuries.  The airplane sustained structural damage.  Weather reported at a facility 25 nautical miles to the east included wind from 300 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 22 knots, clear skies, and 10 miles visibility.

## Factual narrative

The 270-hour private pilot lost directional control of the single-engine airplane during a crosswind landing on runway 35.  Runway 35 was reported as a dry 4,185-foot long by 30-foot wide asphalt runway.  The pilot stated in the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that "while slowing down on the runway, a sudden gust blew the airplane to the right (east) and off the runway."  Subsequently, the "nose gear dug into the mud and collapsed causing the airplane to flip onto its back."  The pilot was able to exit the aircraft through the cabin door and sustained no injuries.  The airplane sustained structural damage.  Weather reported at a facility 25 nautical miles to the east included wind from 300 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 22 knots, clear skies, and 10 miles visibility.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N988SP](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N988SP-2008-06-24), registration cancelled 2008-06-24, S/N 172S8207, built 1999 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 172S
- Registry model: [Cessna 172S](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172s) (registry code 2072439) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-435A2-KSER](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-435a2-kser) (registry code 41518, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 172S8207
- Airframe hours: 906
- Engines: Lycoming IO-360-L2A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 2006
- Departed: KSAT, San Antonio, TX
- Destination: 88R, Spicewood, TX
- Airport: 88R, Spicewood, TX, runway 35, 4,185 × 30 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review December 1, 2004; seat: left; flight hours: 270 total, 12 in this make and model, 201 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 12 knots, gusting 22
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F
- Observed at: KAUS, 50 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20061231029019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20061231029019A), Dec 31, 2006: Cessna 172S, Spicewood, TX, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot stated on December 31, 2006, that he departed sat for 88R Spicewood, no flight plan was filed. VFR conditions. Upon landing on runway 35, at…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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