Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during an aborted landing in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during landing, the airplane encountered a gust of wind and ballooned above the runway. Just before touchdown, the airplane encountered a second gust of wind and the pilot added engine power to abort the landing. Subsequently, the airplane drifted to the left and touched down on the parallel taxiway, skidded across the taxiway, and then impacted a ditch. The airplane’s engine mount and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA325 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 25, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Carson City, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- Carson City (KCXP)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N4432R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- 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.