# NTSB FTW91LA011: Cessna 172, N5096D, Abilene, TX, November 2, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 2, 1990, 13:40 local (19:40 UTC)
- Place: Abilene, TX
- Location: 32.4113° N, 99.6819° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at ABILENE RGNL (ABI), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.4113&lon=-99.6819&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23288
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA011
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23288/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA011

## Probable cause

PILOT'S FAILURE TO COMPENSATE FOR GUSTY WIND CONDITION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING AN APPROACH TO RUNWAY 22 THE STUDENT PILOT ENCOUNTERED MILD TURBULENCE AND HIGH WIND GUSTS IN EXCESS OF TWENTY FOUR KNOTS FROM THE LEFT. THE AIRPLANE BEGAN A RAPID DESCENT FROM APPROXIMATELY FIFTY FEET RESULTING IN THE PILOT LOSING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, FOLLOWED BY GROUND IMPACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5096D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5096D-1998-11-02), registration cancelled 1998-11-02, S/N 17272420 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17272420
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Raven Air Parts
- Departed: ABI
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: ABI, Abilene, runway 22, 3,686 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; student; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 54 total, 54 in this make and model, 14 as pilot in command, 24 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 6 knots, gusting 24
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ABI

## 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 19901102064609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901102064609A), Nov 2, 1990: Cessna 172N, Abilene, TX, Substantial damage. Lost control landing in gusty crosswind. Wing hit ground causing a cartwheel.

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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