Cessna R172K N736VQ

Summary

On 31 December 1997 at about 22:45 local time, a Cessna R172K registered N736VQ was involved in an accident near Lakeview, Arkansas, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

31 December 1997 at 22:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Lakeview, Arkansas, United States

Nearest airport

Gaston's (3MO)

Coordinates

36.3699, -92.5292

Aircraft

Cessna R172K

Registration

N736VQ

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Flippin → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW98LA083

2 people were seriously injured.

the pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment during the approach, and his delayed decision to execute a go-around. A related factor was the sunglare interfering with the pilot's view.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that after returing to the 3,200 ft turf airstrip to land, he descended to 1,400 feet MSL and entered a left downwind for runway 24. He added that after configuring the airplane for landing, he turned final approach. The pilot further stated that 'in the course of the final approach, the sun suddenly blinded me and I didn't have any forward vision.' He concluded with the statement, 'I apparently drifted to the right of course and struck a tree . . .' The right wing of the airplane impacted trees located north of the final approach course. The non-rated passenger, who was seated in the right front seat, also stated that 'on landing we were blinded by the sun.' The airplane was equipped with sun visors for both front seats.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.