Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

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2310 Total Accidents 425 Fatal 816 Fatalities 1982-2026
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Cortez, Colorado

June 14, 2011 · NTSB CEN11CA392 · CESSNA 172S (N6017J)
Minor/None
Note: This analysis may be based on NTSB preliminary reports, which represent an initial, incomplete investigation. Facts can change as the investigation progresses, and preliminary findings should not be assumed to be accurate or final. For older events, a final NTSB report may have been issued — always consult the NTSB Aviation Query for the authoritative record.

NTSB Narrative

The pilot said he made three prior attempts to land but aborted each landing due to the gusty crosswind conditions. On the fourth attempt, the airplane "ballooned" during the landing flare and encountered a strong wind gust. The pilot was unable to maintain control and the airplane landed hard on the nose wheel. A review of photographs taken of the airplane immediately after the accident revealed that the nose wheel was pushed up and into the cockpit, which substantially damaged the firewall. The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing in gusty crosswind conditions.

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NTSB Findings

  • Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot - C
  • Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Pitch control-Not attained/maintained - C
  • Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Crosswind-Response/compensation
  • Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Response/compensation

Details

NTSB ReportCEN11CA392
AircraftCESSNA 172S
RegistrationN6017J
DamageSUBS
FAR Part091
Location37.3017, -108.6236
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