Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane while landing in crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the wind was calm during his approach to runway 9; however, just before landing, the airplane experienced a strong crosswind. The pilot subsequently applied full engine power and attempted to abort the landing, but the airplane touched down, veered off the runway, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and the airframe near the windshield. The pilot reported that the airplane did not experience any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures. The reported wind at the airport, about 30 minutes prior to the accident was from 320 degrees at 13 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA211 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 19, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mayaquez, Puerto Rico
- Nearest airport
- Eugenio Maria De Hostos (TJMZ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N5286H
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.