N7183GCessna 172K · 1969

On November 15, 2010, approximately 1545 central standard time, a Cessna 172K, N7183G, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees near Kestrel Airpark (1T7), San Antonio, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The private pilot and two passengers were seriously injured. The cross-country flight departed Kerrville, Texas, and was en route to 1T7.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who traveled to the accident scene, the flight had departed 1T7 that morning, flew to Kerrville for lunch, and was returning to 1T7 when the accident occurred. Witnesses reported that the airplane was attempting to land with a tailwind to runway 30 (3,000 feet by 40 feet, asphalt). The airplane flew an approach to the runway and as the airplane continued towards the departure end of the runway it leveled off. The airplane impacted trees at the departure end of the runway bending both wings and crushing the fuselage.

According to the written statement submitted by the pilot, he was trying to land when the wind became very strong and swirling. The pilot attempted to go around when the "wing stalled." The airplane impacted several trees and came to rest inverted.

An examination of the airframe and its systems, conducted by an investigator from Cessna Aircraft and an inspector from the FAA, revealed no anomalies. The closest weather observation station recorded winds at 190 degrees at 10 knots.