Casualties unknown

Gust of Wind Causes Loss of Control After Landing in Colorado (N737VH)

Colorado Spring, CO, US

On June 17, 1982, a Cessna 172 (registration N737VH) operated by Chesley M. Louitt was involved in an aviation accident near Colorado Spring, CO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported a strong gust of wind after touchdown, leading to loss of directional control and runway excursion. The aircraft departed the right side of the runway and sustained damage. The runway was wet with a localized thunderstorm.

Incident Overview

A pilot encountered a strong gust of wind after touchdown, resulting in a loss of directional control. The aircraft subsequently departed the right side of the runway and was damaged. The approach and touchdown had been normal aside from turbulence encountered during the approach.

Weather Conditions

The pilot observed thunderstorms near Pueblo and Colorado Springs, Colorado, and checked the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) at both locations. The runway was wet, and a localized thunderstorm was present in the area. The pilot estimated the wind was gusting to 50 knots at the time of the incident.

Sequence of Events

Upon landing, a strong gust of wind caught the aircraft, causing directional control to be lost. The aircraft exited the right side of the runway, leading to damage. No other factors were reported in the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Jun 1982 Cessna 172 accident near Colorado Spring, CO?

A pilot reported a strong gust of wind after touchdown, leading to loss of directional control and runway excursion. The aircraft departed the right side of the runway and sustained damage. The runway was wet with a localized thunderstorm.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jun 1982 involved a Cessna 172, registration N737VH, operated by Chesley M. Louitt, at Colorado Spring, CO.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03138. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.