Cessna 172M N64015

Summary

On 17 May 1998 at about 21:20 local time, a Cessna 172M registered N64015 was involved in an accident near Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States. 2 people were on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

17 May 1998 at 21:20

Classification

Accident

Location

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Nearest airport

Albuquerque International (ABQ)

Coordinates

35.0603, -106.6197

Aircraft

Cessna 172M

Registration

N64015

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Coronado → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW98LA219

1 person had minor injuries.

The flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft. Factors were crosswind, high wind conditions, insufficient demonstrated crosswind component information provided by the manufacturer, and insufficient aircraft standards/requirements by the FAA.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

While on final approach to runway 17, the instructor took control of the aircraft due to strong winds and turbulence. Immediately after touchdown, a strong gust of wind lifted the right wing and the aircraft rolled to the left. He applied full power in an attempt to go-around, but the aircraft was unable to climb and departed the left side of the runway. The instructor maneuvered the aircraft to remain north of runway 26 due to landing and departing traffic, and attempted to pass between a storage tank and a shed. While airborne, the main right gear impacted a metal pipe and the aircraft struck a fire extinguisher on a hand cart, and the aircraft came to rest in a drainage ditch. Winds at the time of the accident were reported from 210 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 35 knots. According to the aircraft owner's manual regarding crosswind landings, 'The maximum allowable crosswind velocity is dependent upon pilot capability rather than aircraft limitations. With average pilot technique, direct crosswinds of 15 knots can be handled with safety.' No demonstrated crosswind component and limit is provided by the manufacturer, and none is required by the FAA.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.