# NTSB FTW96LA153: Cessna 172N, N737UP, Rockwall, TX, March 23, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 23, 1996, 12:45 local (18:45 UTC)
- Place: Rockwall, TX
- Coordinates: 32.919998, -96.449768 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9200&lon=-96.4498&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 22, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19788
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA153
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19788/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA153

## Probable cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. A factor was the 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, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,nose gear - overload

## Analysis

When the airplane crossed the threshold to land on runway 16, the 'sink rate increased dramatically' and the 'right wing dropped and struck the runway.' After touching down on the main landing gear, the airplane exited the right side of the runway, and the nose gear collapsed. Five minutes after the accident, recorded winds 22 miles from the site were from 180 degrees at 22 knots with gusts to 26 knots.

## Factual narrative

On March 23, 1996, about 1245 central standard time, a Cessna 172N, N737UP, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during landing at Rockwall Municipal Airport, Rockwall, Texas.  The airplane was registered to and operated by E-Systems Flying Club.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed.  The pilot and the three passengers were not injured.  The Title 14 CFR Part 91 local personal flight originated about 45 minutes before the accident.

The pilot reported that he was "carrying small amount of extra power/speed for wind shear and turbulence being experienced" as he made an approach to runway 16.  When he crossed the runway threshold, the "sink rate increased dramatically" and the "right wing dropped and struck runway."  The airplane touched down on the main landing gear and exited the right side of the runway.  The nose gear collapsed and the firewall and fuselage structure around the rudder pedals sustained damage.

The pilot reported winds at the time of the accident were from 160 to 180 degrees at 20 knots with gusts to 30 knots.  Five minutes after the accident, recorded winds at Dallas Love Field, 22 nautical miles from the site, were from 180 degrees at 22 knots with gusts to 26 knots.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N737UP (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 172N
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17269688
- Airframe hours: 4706
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: E-Systems Flying Club
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 13, 1995, 62 hours before
- Departed: F46
- Airport: F46, Rockwall Municipal, runway 16, 3,300 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 425 total, 255 in this make and model, 364 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 20 knots, gusting 30
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 75 °F

## 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 19960323046209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960323046209A), Mar 23, 1996: Cessna 172P, Rockwall, TX, No damage. (-23) On March 23, 1996 at approximately 1245 local the private rated pilot and 3 passengers were on a local CFR 14 part 91 flight. The pilot made a normal…

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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