# NTSB FTW98LA137: Cessna 172K, N84561, Marietta, OK, March 1, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 1, 1998, 14:15 local (20:15 UTC) - Place: Marietta, OK - Coordinates: 33.930255, -97.120826 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.9303&lon=-97.1208&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 2 serious, 1 minor - Status: Completed, report February 15, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 20544 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW98LA137 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20544/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA137 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper compensation for the wind conditions. A factor was the crosswind. ## 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 - crosswind (contributing factor) - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach - object - tree(s) - object - wire,transmission - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis While on final approach to runway 35 at the McGehee Catfish Restaurant Airport, the aircraft encountered a north-westerly crosswind and the pilot performed a go-around. During a second approach to runway 35, an 'unpredictable crosswinds/windshear exceeded control capability of A/C,' and blew the aircraft to the right of the runway into the top of 30 foot trees. The pilot applied full power, the aircraft began to climb, and he turned into the wind. Subsequently, the aircraft struck a power line, and came to rest inverted about 100 yards south of the runway. The pilot reported that at the time of the accident, the wind was from 330 degrees at 18 knots gusting to 25. ## Factual narrative On March 1, 1998, at 1415 central standard time, a Cessna 172K airplane, N84561, registered to and operated by a private owner, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during final approach at the at McGehee Catfish Restaurant Airport, Marietta, Oklahoma. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The private pilot and one passenger were seriously injured, and the other passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight originated from Tyler, Texas, at 1230. The 1,386 hour pilot reported that while on final approach to runway 35, the aircraft encountered a north-westerly crosswind and he performed a go-around. During his second approach to runway 35, an "unpredictable crosswinds/windshear exceeded [the] control capability of A/C," and blew the aircraft to the right of the runway into the top of 30 foot trees. The pilot further reported that he applied full power, the aircraft began to climb, and he turned into the wind. Subsequently, the aircraft struck a power line, and came to rest inverted about 100 yards south of the runway. The pilot also reported that at the time of the accident, the wind was from 330 degrees at 18 knots gusting to 25. Examination of the aircraft by the FAA inspector revealed that the firewall was damaged, and the nose landing gear assembly was separated from the aircraft. The left and right wing struts, the right horizontal stabilizer, and the leading edge of the left wing were damaged. He added that runway 35 is a 2,450 feet long, by 55 feet wide grass strip situated in a low area surrounded by hills and trees on both sides. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N84561](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N84561-1998-08-31), registration cancelled 1998-08-31, S/N 17258522 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 172K - Registry model: [Cessna 172K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172k) (registry code 2072430) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 52522 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Robert J. Lamonte - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 4, 1997, 88 hours before - Departed: TYR, TYLER, TX - Destination: T40 - Airport: T40, Mcgehee Catfish Rest., runway 35, 2,450 × 55 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 66; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,386 total, 766 in this make and model, 1,244 as pilot in command, 24 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 330° at 18 knots, gusting 25 - Visibility: 30 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °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 19980301002269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980301002269A), Mar 1, 1998: Cessna 172K, Marietta, OK, Substantial damage. Landing in crosswind was blown off runway center into bordering trees. Damaged firewall and wing struts.(.4) while on final approach to runway 35 at the… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.