Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing touchdown resulting in a runway excursion, a collision with an object, and an impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while performing a touch-and-go landing, he touched down with a "slight bounce." He reported that he applied power, but the rudder and aileron would not keep the airplane from "going left." The airplane departed the runway to the left, impacted a taxi sign, the left main landing gear and the nose landing gear collapsed, and came to a stop on a ramp. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA073 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 3, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Boca Raton, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Boca Raton (BCT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N5185D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.