# NTSB LAX97LA113: Cessna 172M, N20508, Petaluma, CA, February 24, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 23, 1997, 16:15 local (Feb 24, 1997, 00:15 UTC) - Place: Petaluma, CA - Coordinates: 38.230895, -122.559127 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.2309&lon=-122.5591&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 28, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 29733 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX97LA113 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29733/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA113 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and his failure to maintain directional control. ## 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 - weather condition - crosswind - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll - terrain condition - soft ## Analysis The pilot stated that he noted a crosswind of approximately 15 knots while on downwind leg for landing. On final approach the crosswind required about a 15-degree crab angle but the wind was smooth and steady. He transitioned to a slip to maintain runway alignment during the landing flare. During the landing roll the aircraft suddenly veered and skidded to the right and full left brake and rudder wouldn't keep the aircraft on the runway. The aircraft veered off the runway to the right and the nose wheel became mired in mud which caused the aircraft to veer further to the right and the left wing tip contacted the ground. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft. ## Factual narrative On February 23, 1997, at 1615 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172M, N20508, was substantially damaged when it swerved and the left wing contacted the runway during a crosswind landing at Petaluma Municipal Airport, Petaluma, California. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions were reported by the pilot for the personal flight. In his report to the operator of the aircraft, the pilot stated that he noted a crosswind of approximately 15 knots while on downwind leg for landing. On final approach a 15-degree crab angle was required, but the wind was smooth and steady. He transitioned to a slip to maintain runway alignment during the landing flare. During landing roll the plane suddenly veered and skidded to the right and full left brake and rudder wouldn't keep the aircraft on the runway. The aircraft veered off the runway to the right and the nose wheel became mired in mud which caused the aircraft to veer further to the right and the left wing tip contacted the ground. In his report, the pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N20508](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N20508-2008-03-07), registration cancelled 2008-03-07, S/N 17261349, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 172M - Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17261349 - Airframe hours: 6384 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2D 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Bill R. Hinds - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, November 1, 1996, 10 hours before - Departed: O48, LITTLE RIVER, CA - Destination: O69 - Flight plan: VFR - Airport: O69, Petaluma Municipal, runway 29, 3,600 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 227 total, 58 in this make and model, 181 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 45° at 15 knots - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 57 °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 19970223001979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970223001979A), Feb 23, 1997: Cessna 172M, Petaluma, CA, Substantial damage. Veered on runway into mud landing in strong crosswind beyond capability of aircraft and its pilot. 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.