Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusty wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, the airplane was on approach to runway 30, and, about 75 feet above the ground, the airplane encountered a loss of lift due to “wind shear.” The pilot added power to attempt a go-around, but the airplane touched down on the runway and bounced. A gust of wind then pushed the airplane to the left of the runway. The pilot reduced the power, and he attempted to turn back to the runway; however, the airplane impacted trees off the side of the runway. A postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to the right and left wings. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The reported wind at an airport located about 10 miles east of the accident site was 280 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 15 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13CA210 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 20, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Stow, Massachusetts
- Nearest airport
- Minute Man Airfield (6B6)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N739CK
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.