Cessna 172P N65759

Summary

On 17 May 1998 at about 20:40 local time, a Cessna 172P registered N65759 was involved in an accident near Monument Valley, Utah, United States. 3 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

17 May 1998 at 20:40

Classification

Accident

Location

Monument Valley, Utah, United States

Nearest airport

Monument Valley Airport (71V)

Coordinates

37.0807, -110.2499

Aircraft

Cessna 172P

Registration

N65759

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Page → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW98LA220

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing. Factors were gusty, crosswind conditions, the pilot's lack of experience in type of operation and geographic area, mountainous terrain, and high density altitude.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was performing a sightseeing flight and was second in a group of three to land. At 200 feet agl, a 'severe gust' turned the aircraft 30 to 40 degrees to the right and at a 40 degree bank. The pilot added power to go-around, and the aircraft began a slight climb. Due to approaching mountainous terrain, the pilot initiated an early turn to crosswind; however, the aircraft only reached an altitude of approximately 200 to 300 agl while in the traffic pattern. While on final approach for his second attempt to land, the aircraft impacted the ground 150 feet to left of the runway at a heading of approximately 195 degrees with full power and in a nose high attitude. The nose and right main gear were separated from the aircraft, and the airplane came to rest on its nose. Approximately one hour after the accident, the wind blew the aircraft onto its back. According to a representative of Scenic Airlines, Inc., the pilot's date of hire was April 24, 1998, and he was employed with the company for less than a month prior to the accident. In addition, the pilot was from California and was new to the geographic area. Density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be 7,854 feet.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.