Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, the airplane encountered a strong gust of wind during takeoff that pushed the airplane to the left of the landing strip. After departing the landing strip, the nose gear collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported the wind at the airstrip around the time of the accident to be from 270 degrees at 10 knots with gusts at 20 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA481 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 21, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hammond, New York
- Nearest airport
- Private (NONE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N6778H
- 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.